Surprise as England keep Steve Borthwick until Rugby World Cup 2027

Steve Borthwick was backed on Tuesday by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to be England’s coach at Rugby World Cup 2027 following a review of the team’s dismal campaign in this year’s Six Nations.

England finished a lowly fifth in the championship, managing just a solitary success in their tournament opener against Wales before losing four games in a row, having been on a 12-game winning streak in all matches after defeating the Welsh.

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Will see out his contract

A statement released by the RFU after a 23-18 defeat by Italy on March 7 – the first time England had lost to the Azzurri – suggested Borthwick would be given a post-season tour that forms part of the new Nations Championship to save his job.

But it now appears the former England captain will see out a contract that runs until the end of next year.

“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,” RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said in the statement.

“Steve has engaged in this process with full openness and has clear plans in place to address these findings.

“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.”

Poor run of results

This season saw England lose four games in a single Six Nations for the first time, a run of defeats leading to Borthwick’s position being called into question.

In keeping faith with Borthwick, the RFU – for the time being at least – have avoided a repeat of the process that led to his appointment following a poor run of results under England predecessor Eddie Jones.

Borthwick, 46, an assistant coach under Jones with Japan and England, replaced the veteran Australian boss just months out from the 2023 World Cup but still led England to third place in France.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse