Steve Borthwick set for England contract extension
teve Borthwick is set for an England contract extension as the RFU backs its head coach ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
©PA
Steve Borthwick is set to have his England contract extended beyond the 2028 Six Nations as the Rugby Football Union moves to provide coaching stability ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Steve Borthwick set for England contract extension
The RFU intends to extend Borthwick’s deal to prevent uncertainty surrounding the head coach and his staff before and during next year’s World Cup in Australia.
RFU performance director Conor O’Shea said England did not want coaches entering a World Cup while potentially considering their next jobs.
“You don't want them looking for a job going into a World Cup,” O’Shea said, while stressing that Borthwick would ultimately be judged on England’s performance at the tournament.
The extension would give the RFU additional time to assess the coaching structure following the World Cup.
RFU backs Borthwick after difficult Six Nations
Borthwick retained the RFU’s backing following a review into England’s disappointing 2026 Six Nations campaign.
England entered the championship on an 11-Test winning streak and opened with victory over Wales, but then suffered four consecutive defeats.
Those results included England’s first Test defeat away to Italy and a record home loss against Ireland, leaving Borthwick’s side fifth in the Six Nations standings.
England focus turns towards 2027 World Cup
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has also publicly backed Borthwick and his coaching team following the review.
Sweeney said the process identified several areas requiring improvement rather than one single problem and added that Borthwick had clear plans to address the findings.
"This has been a thorough and honest review, and it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer," Sweeney said.
"Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings. We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into Rugby World Cup 2027."
England now have the Nations Championship and further international fixtures to build momentum before the 2027 World Cup, where Borthwick’s performance is expected to play a major role in determining his longer-term future.
