Steve Borthwick to lead England through 2027 Rugby World Cup
Steve Borthwick will continue leading England through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia after the Rugby Football Union confirmed its full backing for the head coach and his staff, reports BritPanorama.
The decision follows what the RFU described as “a detailed and robust review” after England’s disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year, which saw them finish second from bottom — their worst performance in half a century.
During the tournament, the team recorded four defeats, including a historic 23-18 loss to Italy on 7 March, marking the first time England had lost that many matches in a single season since 1976.
The governing body’s investigation concluded that England’s struggles were not due to a single issue that could be resolved by changing coaches. Instead, the review pointed to several interconnected problems, such as lapses in discipline, failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and an inability to perform under pressure.
In previous years, the RFU had opted to dismiss Eddie Jones just nine months before the 2023 World Cup, a move they clearly felt was not the appropriate course of action this time. “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,” said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.
Sweeney expressed cautious optimism in light of the disappointing results, noting instances where the team performed admirably, most recently against France. “We’ve all seen what this England side is capable of,” he stated, adding that consistent delivery of such performance remains the challenge. The RFU believes the current squad, which is still young and developing, can rise to this challenge, supported by insights from the review.
Looking forward, England’s next test will come during the inaugural Nations Championship this summer, starting with a tough opening fixture against South Africa in Johannesburg on 4 July. Following that, England will return home to face Fiji in Liverpool before heading to Argentina for their final match in Santiago del Estero on 18 July.
There had been conjecture that Borthwick’s tenure could depend on results from these summer Tests, but the RFU has now quelled such speculation. “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,” confirmed Sweeney.
As England seeks to rebuild and reclaim its status among rugby’s elite, Borthwick’s resolve will surely face its sternest tests yet. In the world of sports, momentum can shift with alarming speed — what was once a tumultuous path now offers a flicker of hope for a revival.
