ITV were forced to issue an apology for swearing from England players during their Six Nations showdown with France. Steve Borthwick’s men were looking to spoil the party in Paris as the defending champions looked to successfully defend their crown and deny Ireland glory.

England took a first-half lead against the hosts, and the high-stakes showdown brought colourful language, which was picked up by the on-field referee’s microphone. After Joe Heyes won a penalty shortly before the half-hour mark, commentator Nick Mullins said: “Apologies for that, I think we can understand that there’s some excitement about at the moment.”

In the second-half, Mullins was forced to apologise again as more colourful language was picked up on the pitchside microphones. He added: “Once again we’re forced to apologise for the language, but you can understand why.”

England made a strong start against France, who knew a win would pip Ireland to the Six Nations trophy, showing fight to take the lead against the hosts. They looked to be heading in at the break with a stronger advantage but a penalty try saw Les Bleus reduce the arrears to just three points with the scoreline finely poised at 27-24 to England.

England’s disclipline come to haunt them in Paris with Ellis Genge issued a yellow card and sin-binned on the stroke of half-time. Shortly after, they were punished for their man deficit as France moved into a 31-27 lead. Ireland were awaiting the conclusion anxiously after keeping their side of the bargain with an emphatic win over Scotland.

It was the Tartan Army who blew the Six Nations wide open with their win over France last time out. England have had a disappointing Six Nations campaign with Borthwick’s side picking up just two wins.

The swearing caught on the referee’s microphone may have been a signal for the intensity and the needle in the clash between France and England. England have faced criticism throughout their Six Nations campaign but showed grit and fight to take the sting out of the home crowd.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash, the England head coach said: “Ever since I started this role back in late 2022, Connor O’Shea and Bill Sweeney and I, we have always worked very, very closely together. I speak with Connor O’Shea pretty much on a daily basis and with Bill Sweeney at least once or twice every week.

“I think that I’ve always been very clear on the vision of the team going very quickly into the 2023 World Cup – it was just around the corner – and then ever since then building through each of these competition windows post that World Cup, very clear on what we’re trying to achieve.

“We are all disappointed and frustrated. We came to this tournament with really high aspirations and we’ve been unable to meet those targets we set for ourselves. We are deeply frustrated but now we’re looking towards finishing the tournament the way we want to against France.”