England extends Borthwick's coaching contract

England's head coach Steve Borthwick will have his contract extended past the 2028 Six Nations. This move aims to avoid uncertainty over his future before and during next year's Rugby World Cup. Similar to the approach taken with Red Roses boss John Mitchell before the 2025 World Cup, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) intends to provide Borthwick and his staff with clarity regarding their positions as they approach this global event.

RFU performance director Conor O'Shea explained that extending Borthwick's deal into the middle of 2028 will afford them time to determine who will lead the team in the long term. "You don’t want them looking for a job going into a World Cup," O'Shea stated. He added, "Everyone knows it will be judged on the World Cup, but you can't have a group of coaches going in with that uncertainty, especially given the timing. So we will give that certainty, and that will give us time to look properly."

In a recent interview on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, O'Shea discussed England's prospects for the coming year, asserting that England is among five teams capable of winning the 2027 World Cup. He also addressed the RFU’s stringent selection rules for England players, noting that the unintended consequences of selecting players based overseas could be significant, while emphasizing the importance of their current selection policy.

Following a review into England's performance in the "horrendous" Six Nations this year, Borthwick received backing to lead the team through to the World Cup. O'Shea expressed confidence that Borthwick would remain in charge during the world tournament in Australia. During the July leg of the Nations Championship, England bounced back from a defeat against South Africa to secure wins against Fiji and Argentina, concluding the campaign with two wins from three games.

However, the RFU has so far refrained from a long-term commitment to Borthwick, contrasting with Ireland's decision to sign their head coach Andy Farrell until 2031. O'Shea acknowledged Borthwick’s dedication to English rugby, stating, "I see in Steve someone who bleeds England, and wants England to succeed more than anything you can imagine."

He stated, "This England team is unequivocally one of probably five teams who can win the World Cup next year. I believe this team can win a World Cup. Is the talent there? 100%. If over the next 12 months this England team shows the best version of itself, I know it can beat anyone in the world."

O'Shea has also been overseeing England women’s rugby since joining the RFU in January 2020. He highlighted their dominance in the sport, aided by the establishment and growth of Premiership Women's Rugby. Despite the resources at England's disposal, O'Shea dismissed the notion that the Red Roses can ever be too strong.