Steve Borthwick is poised to receive an extended contract from the Rugby Football Union that will keep him at the helm of the England senior side well beyond the 2028 Six Nations campaign. The governing body has decided to formalise the extension now in order to eliminate any doubt about the coach’s future as the team prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. RFU performance director Conor O'Shea explained the rationale behind the move: "You don't want a coach worrying about his job security as we head into a World Cup. Everyone knows the tournament will be the ultimate test, but we cannot afford a coaching staff that is distracted by uncertainty, especially given the timing of the competition.
By granting Borthwick a clear, long‑term deal we provide stability and give ourselves the breathing space to plan properly." Borthwick returned to the England post after a turbulent review of the 2026 Six Nations, a tournament that exposed several weaknesses in the side. England entered the championship on the back of an impressive 11‑test winning streak, yet the campaign quickly unraveled. After a promising opening win over Wales, the team suffered four defeats in the remaining five matches, including a historic loss on Italian soil – the first ever – and a record home defeat to Ireland.
The poor results saw England finish fifth in the table, a stark contrast to expectations and a worrying sign just 18 months before the next World Cup. Following the disappointing Six Nations, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney publicly backed Borthwick, stating that the recent review was thorough and honest, and that progress would come from addressing a range of issues rather than seeking a single quick fix. "Steve has engaged fully with the process and has laid out clear plans to tackle the findings. We stand behind him and his coaching team as we head into the Nations Championship and the series of fixtures that will lead up to Rugby World Cup 2027," Sweeney said.
While the coaching contract is being secured, attention is also turning to two seasoned England internationals – Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant – who must prove themselves in the domestic league before they can be considered for the autumn internationals. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth outlined the expectations for the duo ahead of the five competitive games that will take place before Borthwick finalises his squad for the second phase of the Six Nations. Both Lawes and Marchant were members of the 2023 World Cup squad and have recently returned to England after stints in France, joining the Sale Sharks over the summer. Their repatriation makes them eligible for selection under RFU rules, which stipulate that only players competing in the Premiership can be chosen for the national team.
Lawes, a centurion with 105 caps, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and back‑row expertise, while Marchant offers a valuable option in a midfield that has struggled for consistency. Wigglesworth made it clear that past pedigree alone will not guarantee a place: "We want the highest quality players available, but they must earn their spots by performing well in the league. There are many good players in the mix, and selecting one means leaving another out, so the standard has to be exceptional." He added a personal note about the returning stars: "It’s fantastic to have Courtney back – his experience is unparalleled and he’s an England legend. The excitement around his return to the Premiership is palpable.
I even ran into Joe Marchant locally and it was great to catch up; his presence adds depth to our midfield options." Lawes had previously announced his retirement after the 2023 World Cup, but his decision to come back to English rugby has reignited his ambition to add to his cap tally, potentially extending his international career into the 2027 tournament at the age of 38. Wigglesworth highlighted the individual nature of each player's circumstances: "Everyone’s situation is different – where you play and what you want to achieve. I couldn’t have turned down an England chance simply because I wasn’t getting as much game time as others." He praised Lawes’s determination: "Courtney said, ‘I’ve got an itch here and I’m coming back.’ That statement says it all – he’s driven, he wants to contribute, and his experience is invaluable. We’re eager to see what he can bring to the side." In summary, the RFU’s decision to lock in Steve Borthwick’s services for the foreseeable future aims to provide the stability required for a successful World Cup campaign.
At the same time, the performances of returning veterans like Lawes and Marchant in the Premiership will be closely monitored, as they must demonstrate form and fitness to earn their places in the national squad. The combination of a secure coaching framework and a clear pathway for player selection sets the stage for England to rebuild after a disappointing Six Nations and to aim for a stronger showing in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.