World Rugby

Toby Flood On England's Six Nations, Borthwick's Future & Captain Itoje

Toby Flood On England's Six Nations, Borthwick's Future & Captain Itoje

Toby Flood discusses Steve Borthwick's future, Andy Farrell’s potential, Maro Itoje’s leadership and England’s Six Nations hopes in an exclusive interview.

Jan 29, 2025 by Philip Bendon
Toby Flood On England's Six Nations, Borthwick's Future & Captain Itoje

Former England fly-half Toby Flood has weighed in on the challenges facing head coach Steve Borthwick ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, highlighting the need for England to show progress, while suggesting that Andy Farrell could be a future contender for the England role.

Speaking to Instant Casino, Flood was clear that Borthwick is under significant pressure to achieve results in this tournament. 

"He needs something concrete," Flood said. "In my head, he has to win at least three games, and if there are losses, they need to be narrow. If England only beats Italy and Wales, it would look poor, and serious questions would be asked."

Flood acknowledged that Borthwick is being coached to be more approachable in media dealings, a move orchestrated by the RFU in collaboration with an external firm. 

"I like Steve - he’s reserved but always open to conversation," Flood added. "As a captain, he wasn’t difficult to approach, but he might not give you the answer you wanted. The question is, who else is there if not him?"

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Discussing the future of English rugby, the former Leicester Tiger believes that his former England teammate Andy Farrell should be in the conversation for a future England head coach role, despite his long-term contract with Ireland. 

"He’s English, he’s been through Saracens, England, the Lions and now Ireland," Flood said. "He’s got all the credentials and clearly knows how to trigger performances. If England were looking for a leader, Farrell would be a standout contender."

Emphasizing the importance of stability in coaching teams, Flood suggested that frequent changes hinder player development. 

"Constant change is difficult," he said. "Players need continuity of thought. Borthwick’s singular focus on success may make it difficult for some coaches to align with him, which results in turnover."

The battle for the No. 10 jersey is heating up, and Flood sees Marcus Smith as the frontrunner. 

"It’s Marcus’ to lose," flood said. "His goal-kicking has improved, and he’s a proven catalyst, but there’s very little between him and Fin Smith. Fin is incredibly consistent and doesn’t always get the plaudits he deserves. Marcus is more eye-catching, but Fin’s steady approach builds trust among teammates."

Garnering several column inches in recent weeks was the announcement that Saracens secondrow Maro Itoje will captain Borthwick's squad in the Six Nations. 

Putting his player's cap on, Flood feels that the veteran lock has the potential to be the leader England needs. 

"Maro commands huge respect," Flood said. "He’s articulate, bright and understands the soft skills required of a captain. He knows when to talk and when not to. However, I did laugh when people said he’s an ‘80-minute player’—recently, he’s been in the sin bin a fair bit!"

From the names in the squad to those on the outside, the 39-year-old criticized the Rugby Football Union's stance on overseas-based players, arguing that it stifles development. 

Name-checking star backrow Jack Willis, who plays for Flood's former club Toulouse and whose brother Tom is in Borthwick's squad, Flood, said, "Jack Willis has grown dramatically in Toulouse. The rule prohibits England’s growth - how can he be eligible for the Lions but not England? That doesn’t make sense."

When probed about his country's chances in the upcoming Championship, Flood is realistic about England’s chances against reigning champions Ireland on the road in round one, 

"They can’t expect to win in Dublin, but if they stay in the fight for 60 minutes, anything can happen," he said.

Although Ireland comes into the competition as back-to-back defending champion, Flood has tipped France to as his favorite to take out the title in 2025, citing their world-class talent, namely the Toulouse halfback pairing of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, who have been in top class form this season.

"With Dupont and Ntamack back, they look dominant," Flood said. "England, Italy and Wales don’t seem Championship-ready. It may come down to Ireland vs. France in Dublin, but in this tournament, an upset is always possible."

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