Steve Borthwick was backed on Tuesday by the RFU to be England’s coach at the 2027 World Cup following a review of the team’s dismal Six Nations campaign this year.
England finished a lowly fifth in the competition, 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.
A statement released by the RFU after a 23-18 defeat by Italy on 7 March, 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 CEO Bill Sweeney said in the statement.
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“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.”
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 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.
– AFP
Photo: Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
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