Steve Borthwick is poised to receive a fresh contract extension from the Rugby Football Union that will keep him at the helm of England beyond the 2028 Six Nations tournament. The governing body intends to formalise the deal now so that there is no lingering doubt about his position as the team prepares for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Conor O'Shea, the RFU's performance director, explained the rationale behind the timing: "You don’t want a coach worrying about his job security as the World Cup approaches. Everyone knows that the tournament will be the ultimate measure of success, but you can’t send a coaching team into that pressure cooker with the cloud of uncertainty hanging over them, especially given the calendar.
By confirming Borthwick’s contract now we provide the stability needed to focus entirely on preparation and performance." Borthwick returns to the role after a turbulent Six Nations campaign that prompted a comprehensive review. England entered the 2026 championship riding an impressive 11‑test winning streak, yet the campaign quickly unraveled.
After a promising opening win over Wales, the side suffered four defeats in the next five matches, including a historic loss away to Italy – the first ever on Italian soil – and a record home defeat to Ireland. The poor run left England in fifth place on the table, a position that feels especially stark given the looming 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, just 18 months away. Following the disappointing Six Nations, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney publicly backed Borthwick, noting that the post‑tournament review was thorough and candid. "The analysis showed that improvement will come from addressing multiple facets of the game rather than chasing a single quick fix," Sweeney said.
"Steve has been fully engaged in this process, has laid out clear plans to tackle the issues identified, and we stand behind him and his staff as we head into the next Nations Championship and the build‑up to the 2027 World Cup." While the coach’s future appears settled, two senior England players – Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant – face a different kind of test. Both have returned to the English Premiership after stints in France and must now prove they deserve a place in the national squad. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth outlined the expectations for the pair ahead of the five competitive fixtures that will precede Borthwick’s final squad selection for the second phase of the Six Nations. Lawes, a 105‑cap veteran and former World Cup squad member, announced his retirement after the 2023 tournament but has since reversed course, re‑joining the Sharks and making himself available for England once again.
At 38, his experience and leadership in the back row could be invaluable, but he will need to demonstrate that his physical condition matches his pedigree. Marchant, a versatile centre who also featured in the 2023 World Cup, returned from France with the aim of bolstering a midfield that has struggled for consistency.
Both players are now subject to close monitoring over the coming weeks; their performances in the Premiership will be the decisive factor in whether they earn a place in Borthwick’s plans. Wigglesworth was blunt: "We want the highest quality players we can field, but they have to earn their spots by performing week in, week out. Selections mean leaving someone out, so the bar is set high.
Courtney’s return is exciting – he brings unmatched experience and is an England legend. Seeing him back in the Premiership is a thrill. I even ran into Joe Marchant locally and it was great to catch up.
His presence adds depth to a midfield that has needed reinforcement." The RFU’s selection policy also plays a role. Under current regulations, only players competing in the English Premiership are eligible for national selection. By returning from French clubs, both Lawes and Marchant have re‑entered the eligibility pool, giving Borthwick more options as he builds a squad capable of competing on the world stage.
Wigglesworth summed up the situation: "Each player’s case is individual – it depends on where they want to play and what they aim to achieve. I couldn’t have turned down the chance to represent England because I wasn’t getting as much game time as others. Courtney said, ‘I have an itch to play for England again, so I’m coming back.’ That kind of determination, combined with his wealth of experience, puts him in a strong position. We’re eager to see what he can contribute." In summary, the RFU has moved quickly to secure Steve Borthwick’s tenure, removing any doubt about his role as the team gears up for the 2027 World Cup.
At the same time, senior players like Lawes and Marchant must translate their experience into on‑field performances in the Premiership to earn their places. The upcoming fixtures will serve as a proving ground for both the coach and the players, setting the tone for England’s ambitions on the global stage.