EDDIE JONES retained the backing of the Rugby Football Union today in spite of England’s dismal fifth-place finish in the NatWest 6 Nations.

Ireland were crowned grand slam champions with a conclusive 24-15 victory at Twickenham on Saturday that condemned the hosts to a third consecutive defeat and their worst tournament performance since 1987.

The review into a series of results that have plunged England into crisis began today morning with RFU chief executive Steve Brown attending the initial meeting between Jones and his coaching staff.