Steve Borthwick is poised to receive a new contract from the Rugby Football Union that will keep him at the helm of the England side well beyond the 2028 Six Nations tournament. The governing body has decided to grant the extension now in order to eliminate any doubt about his position ahead of, and during, the upcoming World Cup campaign. RFU performance director Conor O'Shea explained the rationale behind the move: "You don't want coaches worrying about their jobs as they head into a World Cup.
Everyone knows the tournament will be the ultimate test, but you can't send a coaching team into it with that cloud of uncertainty hanging over them, especially given the timing. By offering Borthwick this certainty, we give ourselves the breathing room to plan properly and focus on preparation." Borthwick returns to the England job after a turbulent Six Nations review. England entered the 2026 championship riding an 11‑test winning streak, yet the campaign quickly unraveled.
After an opening win 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 England in fifth place on the table, a disappointing position just 18 months before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Following the disappointing performance, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney publicly backed Borthwick, noting that a comprehensive and candid review had identified several areas for improvement rather than a single quick fix. "Steve has engaged fully with the process, laid out clear plans to address the findings, and we stand behind him and his staff as we head into the next Nations Championship and the series of fixtures that will shape our World Cup 2027 campaign," Sweeney said.
While Borthwick’s future is now secured, two England veterans – Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant – must prove they still belong at the international level. Both players returned to the Premiership after spells in France, joining the Sharks for the summer, and are expected to feature in the Gallagher Premiership season. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth warned that neither will be granted an automatic place in the autumn squad; they must earn selection through strong performances in the five competitive matches that precede the second phase of the Six Nations. Lawes, a centurion with 105 caps, announced his retirement after the 2023 World Cup but has since reversed course, indicating a desire to add to his impressive tally.
At 38, his experience and leadership in the back row could be invaluable as England looks to rebuild. Marchant, meanwhile, offers a much‑needed option in the midfield, a position that has been a persistent weakness for the side. Both players will be monitored closely, and their form in the domestic league will be the decisive factor. Wigglesworth summed up the selection philosophy: "We want as much quality as we can get in the league, but players have to earn their spots by performing.
There are plenty of good players, and choosing one means leaving another out, so anyone hoping to make the squad must go above and beyond." He added a personal note about Lawes: "It's fantastic to have Courtney back. He brings unbelievable experience, is an England legend, and his presence in pre‑season has been a boost for everyone. There's real excitement watching him return to the Premiership." Regarding Marchant, Wigglesworth said: "I actually ran into Joe around my neighbourhood and caught up with him – it's great to have him back." Under RFU regulations, only players who compete in the Premiership are eligible for national selection, meaning Lawes’ return from France places him back in contention. Wigglesworth emphasized the individual nature of each player's decision: "Everyone's situation is different – where you want to play, what you want to achieve.
I couldn't give up the chance of playing for England just because others were getting more game time. Courtney said, 'I've got an itch here and I'm coming back.' That kind of determination, combined with his experience, puts him in a strong position. We’re eager to see what he can contribute." In summary, the RFU has moved swiftly to solidify its coaching leadership by extending Borthwick’s contract, thereby removing any distractions before the crucial World Cup cycle.
At the same time, seasoned internationals Lawes and Marchant must demonstrate that they still have the form and fitness to merit inclusion, with the Premiership serving as the proving ground. Their performances in the coming weeks will be closely scrutinised, and the outcomes will shape England’s squad composition as the nation prepares for the challenges of the 2027 tournament in Australia.