England full-back Freddie Steward has defended under-fire head coach Steve Borthwick and said it’s the players who should be blamed for the defeat to South Africa. The Red Roses lost a fifth consecutive Test match as they went down 29-20 at Allianz Stadium, prompting speculation over Borthwick’s position.

England rugby player Jess Breach took time out from her World Cup preparations to attend the Inner Warrior women’s rugby festival held at Chichester RFC on Sunday. The festival saw eight teams from across the South East come together in a celebration of the game,

In a frustrating month for the England senior side, a 38-17 win for the A team over their Australian counterparts will have offered some positivity. It may also have provided a window into the future,

Small signs of progress have been shown by England this November but Borthwick is under pressure after five consecutive defeats