Steve Borthwick is poised to receive a new contract from the Rugby Football Union that will keep him at the helm of England’s national team well beyond the 2028 Six Nations tournament. The RFU has decided to grant the extension now so that there is no lingering doubt about his position as the world’s premier rugby event approaches next year.
Conor O'Shea, the RFU's performance director, 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 measure of success, but you cannot send a group of coaches into that pressure cooker while they are still uncertain about their future, especially given the timing. By providing that certainty now, we give ourselves the breathing room to plan properly and focus on preparation." Borthwick returned to the England job after a turbulent review of the previous Six Nations campaign.
England entered the 2026 championship riding an impressive eleven‑test winning streak, yet the campaign quickly unraveled. After an opening victory over Wales, the team suffered four defeats in the next five matches, including a historic loss away to Italy and a record home defeat to Ireland.
The poor run left Borthwick’s side in fifth place in the final standings, a disappointing position just 18 months before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney reinforced the decision to stand behind Borthwick, noting that the recent review of England’s worst Six Nations performance was thorough and candid. "Improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing a single quick fix," Sweeney said. "Steve has engaged fully with the process, laid out clear plans to tackle the issues identified, and we are united behind him and his coaching staff as we move into the next Nations Championship and the series of fixtures that lead up to the 2027 World Cup." While the coaching contract is being solidified, attention is also turning to two seasoned England internationals – Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant – who must prove their worth in the domestic league before they can be counted on for the autumn internationals.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth outlined the expectations for the pair ahead of the five competitive matches that will take place before Borthwick announces his squad for the second phase of the Six Nations. Both Lawes and Marchant, members of the 2023 World Cup squad, have returned to England after stints with French clubs and a summer spell with the Sharks. Their repatriation makes them eligible for selection under RFU rules, which require players to be contracted to a Premiership side.
Lawes, a centurion with 105 caps, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and back‑row expertise, while Marchant offers a much‑needed alternative in an often‑troubled midfield. Wigglesworth made it clear that past pedigree alone will not guarantee selection: "We want the highest quality we can find in the league, but the players must earn their place by performing well. There are many good players in the mix, and picking one means leaving another out, so they will need to go above and beyond." He added personal observations, "It’s fantastic to have Courtney back – he’s an England legend with unbelievable experience, and his pre‑season form has been impressive. I even ran into Joe Marchant locally and caught up with him; it’s great to have him back in the Premiership as well." Lawes had previously announced his retirement after the last World Cup, but his return to English soil has reignited his ambition to add to his cap tally, raising the prospect of a 38‑year‑old appearing at the 2027 tournament in Australia.
Under RFU regulations, only players who are contracted to a Premiership club are eligible for national selection, and Lawes’ move back from France puts him squarely back in contention. Wigglesworth emphasized the individual nature of each player’s decision: "Everyone’s case is individual – where you want to play your rugby and what you want to achieve.
I couldn’t give up the chance of England because I wasn’t playing as much as others. Courtney, however, said ‘I’ve got an itch here and I’m coming back.’ That statement says a lot – he’s returning because he wants to contribute.
That level of determination, combined with his experience, puts him in a strong position. We’re eager to see what he can do." In summary, the RFU’s proactive contract extension for Steve Borthwick removes any doubt about the coach’s future ahead of the 2027 World Cup, allowing the organization to focus on strategic planning and squad development.
Simultaneously, the performances of returning veterans Lawes and Marchant in the Gallagher Premiership will be scrutinised closely, as their form and fitness could be decisive factors in England’s preparations for the upcoming international calendar. The combination of stable leadership and a clear pathway for player selection aims to restore England’s competitiveness on the world stage after a disappointing Six Nations campaign.