Steve Borthwick is poised to receive an extension on his England coaching contract that will carry him beyond the 2028 Six Nations tournament. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) intends to formalise this extension now in order to eliminate any ambiguity surrounding his role as the national side approaches the next World Cup. Conor O'Shea, the RFU's performance director, explained the rationale: "You don't want coaches worrying about their job security as they head into a World Cup.
Everyone knows the tournament will be the ultimate test, but you cannot send a coaching team into that pressure cooker with lingering doubts, especially given the timing. By providing certainty now, we give the staff the space to focus on preparation without distraction." Borthwick's return to the helm came after a turbulent review of England's performance in the recent Six Nations.
The team entered the 2026 championship riding an impressive 11‑match winning streak, yet the campaign quickly unraveled. After a promising opening win over Wales, England suffered four defeats in the remaining five matches, including a historic loss away to Italy—the first such defeat on Italian soil—and a record home loss to Ireland. The cumulative effect was a fifth‑place finish in the standings, a stark contrast to expectations and a concerning indicator just 18 months before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Following the disappointing Six Nations, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney publicly affirmed his support for Borthwick.
"We have conducted a thorough and honest review, and it is evident that improvement will come from addressing multiple facets of the game rather than chasing a single quick fix," Sweeney said. "Steve has engaged fully with the process, offering transparent insight and concrete plans to tackle the issues identified.
The entire organisation stands behind him and his coaching team as we move into the next Nations Championship and the series of preparatory matches leading up to the 2027 World Cup." At the same time, two seasoned England internationals—Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant—face a fresh challenge to prove their worth after returning from stints abroad. Both players have been warned that they will not automatically regain their places in the autumn internationals; instead, they must outperform their Premiership counterparts in the upcoming Gallagher Premiership season.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth outlined the expectations for the pair in the five competitive fixtures that precede Borthwick's final squad selection for the second phase of the Six Nations. Lawes and Marchant, both members of the 2023 World Cup squad, have re‑entered the England selection pool after leaving French clubs to join the Sharks over the summer. Their experience could be invaluable: Lawes, a centurion with 105 caps, brings leadership, a deep understanding of back‑row play, and a reputation as a locker‑room stalwart. Marchant, meanwhile, offers a versatile option in an area where England has struggled for depth—the midfield.
However, despite their pedigrees, the duo must demonstrate form and fitness in the domestic league to earn a place. "We want the highest quality players available, but they must earn their spots by performing consistently in the Premiership," Wigglesworth said. "Selection inevitably means leaving some players out, so anyone hoping to be chosen must go above and beyond the baseline expectations." Wigglesworth also expressed personal enthusiasm about the return of the two veterans.
"It's fantastic to have Courtney back. He possesses incredible experience, is an England legend, and has been travelling to pre‑season camps like everyone else. There's genuine excitement about seeing him back in the Premiership," he added. "I actually ran into Joe Marchant recently; he's living nearby, and it was great to catch up.
Having him back adds depth and competition, which is exactly what we need." Lawes had announced his retirement after the previous World Cup, but his comeback to English rugby has reignited his ambition to add to his impressive cap tally. At 38, he could still be in contention for the 2027 tournament in Australia if he maintains his performance levels. Under current RFU regulations, only players who compete in the Premiership are eligible for national selection, meaning Lawes' return from France places him back within the selection framework. Wigglesworth highlighted the individualized nature of player decisions regarding club affiliation.
"Each player's situation is unique—where they want to play and what they aim to achieve matters," he said. "I wouldn't have given up the chance to play for England simply because I wasn't getting as much game time as some others.
Courtney's statement—'I've got an itch here and I'm coming back'—speaks volumes. His determination and the qualities he brings should put him in a strong position.
Experience is something he certainly has, and we're eager to see him on the field again." In summary, the RFU is moving quickly to secure Borthwick's future, granting him a contract extension that removes any doubt ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Simultaneously, the union is demanding that returning veterans like Lawes and Marchant prove their form in the Premiership before being considered for the national squad. This dual approach—providing stability at the coaching level while enforcing merit‑based selection for players—reflects the RFU's broader strategy to rebuild after a disappointing Six Nations and to position England as a serious contender on the world stage in the years to come.