England boss Steve Borthwick backed by RFU after Felix Jones and Aled Walters exits

England head coach Steve Borthwick has the full backing of the Rugby Football Union after chief executive Bill Sweeney expressed his dismay at the shock exit of Felix Jones and Aled Walters.

Walters, the influential head of strength and conditioning, defected to Andy Farrell's Ireland last month, while defence coach Jones is negotiating release from his 12-month notice period after unexpectedly handing in his resignation.

World Cup winners with South Africa as part of Rassie Erasmus’ management team, the duo were important figures in Borthwick’s plans to turn his players into world champions in 2027.

It has been reported that former Ireland full-back Jones, the mastermind of England’s increasingly-effective blitz defensive system, was "unhappy with the unstable working environment", but Sweeney does not recognise this description of the team that has taken strides forward this year.

"We are deeply disappointed that this has taken place with no indication that it was going to happen. It came out of the blue," Sweeney said.

"I feel for Steve. Steve has made some choices and has brought some people in and I feel for him at the moment.

"We’ve seen some good momentum and progression in terms of how the England team has been playing under Steve as head coach.

"There is huge excitement around the squad about how the team played at the back end of the Six Nations and on the summer tour to New Zealand, which was really encouraging.

"We’ve got the autumn coming up, so for that to happen was massively disappointing.

"What I can say though is that Steve has absolute 100% support from us – from me personally and of the RFU.

"I can also say categorically he has the full support 100% of the squad. The players are very keen to get this message