England make major Borthwick contract decision before World Cup
NEWS: England have moved to remove any uncertainty around Steve Borthwick’s future by extending the head coach’s contract beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Rugby Football Union will keep Borthwick in charge until after the 2028 Six Nations, ensuring England’s coaching staff head into next year’s World Cup in Australia with job security rather than contract speculation hanging over them.
The decision mirrors the RFU’s approach with Red Roses head coach John Mitchell before the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, giving both national teams stability ahead of their biggest tournaments.
RFU performance director Conor O’Shea said the extension was designed to eliminate distractions during England’s World Cup campaign.
“You don’t want them looking for a job going into a World Cup,” O’Shea said.
“Everyone knows it will be judged on the World Cup, but you can’t have a group of coaches going in with that uncertainty.”
“We’ll give that certainty, and that will give us time to look properly.”
Borthwick came under scrutiny after England’s disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year, but the RFU has now publicly backed him to lead the side through Australia 2027.
Unlike Ireland, who have already tied Andy Farrell down until 2031, England have opted for a shorter extension that gives the union time to assess the programme after the World Cup.
O’Shea said he could not envisage anyone other than Borthwick taking England to Australia.
“I see in Steve someone who bleeds England and wants England to succeed more than anything you can imagine.”
‘England can win the World Cup’
O’Shea also delivered a bold prediction, insisting England are genuine contenders to lift the Webb Ellis Cup next year.
He believes the current squad has the talent to challenge the world’s elite, despite an inconsistent run during the Nations Championship that included a heavy defeat to South Africa in Johannesburg before victories over Fiji and Argentina.
“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? One hundred percent.”
O’Shea added that if England produce their best rugby over the next 12 months, they are capable of beating any team in the world.
O’Shea also reaffirmed the RFU’s hardline stance on selecting overseas-based players, saying relaxing England’s eligibility rules would have “massive” unintended consequences for the domestic game.
The policy means returning stars such as Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant must prove themselves in the Premiership before earning another England call-up.
With Borthwick’s future now secured through the World Cup cycle, England’s focus shifts entirely to building momentum for Australia 2027, where the RFU believes the squad has everything required to challenge for a second World Cup title.
