RFU criticised as 'dishonest' over claims of England progress after disappointing Six Nations

The Rugby Football Union's (RFU) claim England made progress during a tough Six Nations campaign has been criticised by ex-international Ugo Monye, who called their statement "dishonest".

Eddie Jones' side finished a distant third behind Ireland and Grand Slam winners France, managing just two wins from their five games.

It marked a second successive dismal Six Nations, far removed from reaching the final of the 2019 World Cup that marked the high point of the Australian's tenure in charge.

Now, a year-and-a-half out from the 2023 World Cup in France, the RFU has sought to frame their results as stepping stones, but Monye – a 14-time England international – believes such claims are untruthful.

"I want to know who in the RFU thinks that signifies progress and are happy with how things are," Monye told BBC Sport's Rugby Union Daily podcast.

"Fundamentally it's just dishonest. There isn't progress. With the financial backing, the player pool and the coaching staff they have you cannot be winning two out of five games two years in a row.

Well played @FranceRugby and congratulations on winning the Grand Slam pic.twitter.com/WCWBy1rIlU

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 19, 2022

"It's appalling, unimaginable, unacceptable. England talk about showing great spirit and fight against Ireland and France but you expect that as a baseline. They were miles behind."

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton concurred, stating that the RFU's claims to say that England used their losses as building blocks showed a lack of respect.

"It's not about the World Cup right now, it's about the Six Nations," he added on BBC Sport's Rugby Union Special.

"It's an amazing tournament and it's disrespectful to say 'we're building to the World Cup next year'. It's about winning the Six Nations at all costs. I don't like this 'buying time' talk."