In a bold move that could either be seen as a staunch vote of confidence or a desperate cling to past glories, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has publicly backed Steve Borthwick to continue as England's head coach up to and including the 2027 World Cup. This decision comes despite England's abysmal performance in this year's Six Nations, where they scraped a fifth-place finish, their campaign marred by a series of defeats following an initial victory against Wales.
The RFU's endorsement follows a comprehensive review initiated after England's historic loss to Italy on March 7—a defeat that marked the first time the Azzurri bested the English squad. Post the review, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to improvement, rather than seeking a quick fix. "This has been a thorough and honest review and it’s clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer," Sweeney stated.
"Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings."
The statement from the RFU highlights a strategic decision to maintain continuity and stability within the coaching ranks, as Borthwick, who took over the reins just months before the 2023 World Cup, steered England to a respectable third-place finish in France despite the team's struggles under his predecessor, Eddie Jones.
With this renewed backing, Borthwick is set to lead England into the newly formed Nations Championship and a series of crucial matches that will pave the road to the 2027 World Cup. The RFU's support is a clear signal that they are not yet ready to repeat the coaching carousel that has seen frequent changes in leadership following poor performances in the past.
"We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into the 2027 World Cup."
This season's results have undeniably put Borthwick’s strategies under intense scrutiny, as it was the first time England lost four games in a single Six Nations tournament. However, the RFU's commitment suggests a belief that Borthwick’s long-term vision aligns with the overall goals of the national team. The upcoming matches in the Nations Championship will thus be pivotal, not just for England’s rebuilding efforts, but also for Borthwick’s future as the helm of the team.
2,100 posts
In a bold move that could either be seen as a staunch vote of confidence or a desperate cling to past glories, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has publicly backed Steve Borthwick to continue as England's head coach up to and including the 2027 World Cup. This decision comes despite England's abysmal performance in this year's Six Nations, where they scraped a fifth-place finish, their campaign marred by a series of defeats following an initial victory against Wales.
The RFU's endorsement follows a comprehensive review initiated after England's historic loss to Italy on March 7—a defeat that marked the first time the Azzurri bested the English squad. Post the review, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to improvement, rather than seeking a quick fix. "This has been a thorough and honest review and it’s clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer," Sweeney stated.
"Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings."
The statement from the RFU highlights a strategic decision to maintain continuity and stability within the coaching ranks, as Borthwick, who took over the reins just months before the 2023 World Cup, steered England to a respectable third-place finish in France despite the team's struggles under his predecessor, Eddie Jones.
With this renewed backing, Borthwick is set to lead England into the newly formed Nations Championship and a series of crucial matches that will pave the road to the 2027 World Cup. The RFU's support is a clear signal that they are not yet ready to repeat the coaching carousel that has seen frequent changes in leadership following poor performances in the past.
"We are all behind him and his coaching team going into the Nations Championship and the series of matches leading into the 2027 World Cup."
This season's results have undeniably put Borthwick’s strategies under intense scrutiny, as it was the first time England lost four games in a single Six Nations tournament. However, the RFU's commitment suggests a belief that Borthwick’s long-term vision aligns with the overall goals of the national team. The upcoming matches in the Nations Championship will thus be pivotal, not just for England’s rebuilding efforts, but also for Borthwick’s future as the helm of the team.