RFU extends Steve Borthwick’s England contract beyond 2027 World Cup
The six-month extension provides certainty before England’s home World Cup but leaves the Rugby Football Union time to assess Borthwick’s future.
The Rugby Football Union has extended England head coach Steve Borthwick’s contract through the Six Nations following the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The additional six months follows England’s difficult 2026 Six Nations campaign, in which they won once — their worst return since the competition expanded. RFU performance chief Conor O’Shea described the campaign as “horrendous”.
O’Shea said the extension was intended to ensure the coaching group was not entering the World Cup uncertain about its employment. The arrangement also gives the RFU time to review its position after the tournament.
The decision is therefore a limited commitment rather than a clear long-term endorsement. Borthwick, who became England coach in December 2022, has a reported win rate below 60 per cent across nearly four years in charge.
The RFU continues succession planning for the next England head coach. The contract is due to run until the Six Nations after the 2027 World Cup, but the source material does not confirm whether Borthwick will remain beyond that point.
