The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has extended the contract of England head coach Steve Borthwick until the middle of 2028, a decision that has drawn immediate criticism from some quarters for a perceived lack of strategic planning.
Conor O’Shea, the RFU’s executive director of performance rugby, announced the short-term extension during an appearance on a BBC podcast, an approach that some suggest was intended to soften the impact of a formal announcement. The extension means Borthwick will lead England through the first Six Nations campaign following the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Critics argue that the extension, particularly given its limited duration, indicates a lack of a clear, long-term vision for the national team. This contrasts with other unions, such as Ireland's, which provided head coach Andy Farrell with a four-year contract. The RFU's decision has led to questions about their process, especially as O'Shea indicated a "long list" of candidates being considered for future coaching roles, while many rival nations have already secured their preferred coaches.
Borthwick, who took over from Eddie Jones in 2022, has a reported 58% win rate. This figure is lower than Jones's 73% win record. The timing of the contract extension has also been called into question, as England finished the 2026 Six Nations championship in fifth place, marking their worst performance in the tournament's history, which included a first-ever defeat to Italy.
Public sentiment towards Borthwick, as observed on social media, is reportedly low, despite recent victories over Fiji and Argentina. Concerns have also been raised regarding the team's playing style and the apparent disconnect between Borthwick's philosophy and the attacking prowess seen in the Northampton-based players.
England faces a challenging schedule in the lead-up to the next World Cup, including four difficult autumn fixtures and another Six Nations campaign. The team's performance against Australia in their upcoming Test match at Twickenham is seen as a crucial indicator of their current trajectory. Since Borthwick took over, despite a 12-match winning streak last year, significant progress has been difficult to demonstrate, particularly when compared to the standards set by teams like South Africa and New Zealand.
O'Shea defended the decision by stating that coaches should not be in a position of uncertainty heading into a World Cup. However, with Borthwick already in his desired role, his focus is expected to be on achieving success in the upcoming World Cup to justify a more substantial, long-term contract. Without a significant World Cup triumph, it is anticipated that opinion on Borthwick's tenure will remain largely unchanged.
The RFU may be considering potential future candidates, with figures like Jacques Nienaber, a key strategist behind South Africa's World Cup victories, and Ronan O’Gara, currently coaching in France, mentioned as possibilities. Shaun Edwards, another highly decorated coach, has also been suggested as a potential candidate. Borthwick's assistants, Lee Blackett and Richard Wigglesworth, are also expected to be exploring opportunities with greater responsibility following next year's World Cup.