Steve Borthwick is set to lead England Rugby until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with his RFU contract extending through the tournament.
Despite some rocky moments, the RFU is opting for stability over chaos—at least for now.
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
From Chaos to Bronze… and Back Again
Two years ago, England sacked Eddie Jones after a run of poor results. In came Borthwick, who navigated a favourable World Cup draw and dragged England to an unexpected bronze medal. But what followed was anything but smooth sailing.
A string of narrow defeats to top-tier opposition, including three consecutive home losses to southern hemisphere heavyweights, left fans disillusioned. The mood was grim, and Borthwick was under fire. Even a captaincy change couldn’t prevent a five-point loss in Dublin, punctuated by yet another second-half collapse. Things were going downhill—fast.
A Twist of Fate: Fortunes Flip in Spring
Then came the turnaround. England shocked France and rode their luck against Scotland. Both games could have gone the other way, but these gritty wins injected belief into a squad that had consistently promised more than they delivered.
With momentum building, they hammered Italy and blew Wales away. In just one Six Nations campaign, England’s back row transformed into a dominant force, and the fly-half pulled the strings with precision. Sure, there are still questions in the midfield, and their phase play needs tightening, but England emerged as the one team that truly exceeded expectations.
Learning from Eddie and Clive
The RFU isn’t taking chances. They’re learning from the prolonged reigns of Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward that both ended ugly. Whether England thrives or stumbles in Australia, the expectation is that Borthwick will step aside after 2027.
For now, though, England is banking on consistency—and hoping Borthwick’s steady hand will guide them to new heights.
EDITORS PICKS:
FAVOURITES TO REPLACE STEVE BORTHWICK:
The Old Master – Sir Clive Woodward (100/1)
England’s only World Cup-winning coach remains the ultimate reference point for success in red and white. More pundit than practitioner these days, Woodward’s gravitas still resonates — but in the modern RFU landscape, he’s more romantic longshot than realistic contender.
The Mastermind – Rassie Erasmus (50/1)
A two-time World Cup winner, tactical disruptor, and social-media provocateur, Erasmus is one of rugby’s most brilliant — and divisive — thinkers. Tempting him from South Africa would be ambitious, but few CVs shine brighter. He’s even said he’d “love to coach England.”
Like this:
Like Loading…