RFU head Sweeney shares England fans' disappointment

LONDON : Bill Sweeney, the CEO of the Rugby Football Union, said he was "really disappointed" with England's autumn series results but gave no indication that coach Eddie Jones was in any danger of being removed.

England delivered a poor display and were booed off at Twickenham after being outplayed 27-13 by South Africa on Saturday, following a draw with New Zealand, defeat to Argentina and a victory over Japan.

“We would like to thank England fans for their patience and support, it matters to us how they feel," Sweeney said in a statement on Sunday.

"Like them we are really disappointed with the results. Despite strong individual performances and some great new talent coming into the team, the overall results are not where we expect them to be.”

As is usual after each Six Nations and November series, the latest games will now be discussed by the secretive RFU review panel which includes anonymous board and executive members along with former players and coaches.

While Jones's position will undoubtedly be on the agenda, it would appear highly unlikely that Sweeney is considering replacing him, 10 months out from the World Cup, but a series of pundits have been suggesting it is time for a change after England won five of their 12 games in 2022.

"The Armageddon decision is to let Eddie Jones go and allow someone to get in as head coach and make changes now, with the Six Nations ahead of them," 2003 World Cup winning coach Matt Dawson told the BBC.

"Or, if those in charge don't change Jones, they tell Jones he has to change. And change something substantial and fast. There have to be some tough conversations to talk about why they are playing the way they are."

Dawson's former team mate Lawrence Dallaglio said there was no chance