Following a disappointing Six Nations campaign, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has reiterated its support for England coach Steve Borthwick, as relayed by RFU CEO Bill Sweeney. Sweeney emphasized the multifaceted approach needed for improvement, stating, "This has been a thorough and honest review, and it is clear that improvement will come from addressing several areas rather than chasing one simple answer."
RFU Performance Director Conor O'Shea also voiced his support, underlining the organization's desire for Borthwick to remain concentrated on the upcoming challenges, especially with the World Cup on the horizon in Australia next year.
Despite this backing from RFU top brass, criticism has come from former England star Ben Youngs, who expressed concerns on the "For The Love Of Rugby" podcast about the decision-making process behind the scenes.
"Conor O’Shea has some blinkers on. If you look at Conor O’Shea and Bill Sweeney, they’re responsible for making sure England Rugby is set to go and win and be successful. On the back of the review – and no one’s seen the review; no one even knows who was in the review – they have backed him."
England's recent record under Borthwick, boasting a win percentage of just 59.6% after four years, contrasts starkly with that of his predecessor, Eddie Jones. The 2026 season saw England secure only three victories, suffering losses in five Test matches, including a historic defeat to Italy.
Despite a slight improvement in their summer Nations Championship performance, doubts linger about England's consistency, which could amplify pressures on Borthwick as the team prepares for the World Cup.
Youngs also highlighted the potential implications of a mid-tournament coaching change, echoing sentiments from their last World Cup cycle when England parted ways with Jones.
"If they change him before the World Cup, then you’d argue Bill has to go and so does Conor because they have got it wrong. They have backed him and if it doesn’t work out, they’re all accountable for making that decision."
On a more speculative note, the conversation shifted between Dan Cole and Ben Youngs regarding the contractual security of a World Cup-year coach. Cole pointed out the potential pitfalls of not extending a coach’s contract through the World Cup and the subsequent season, arguing that it allows the coach to focus fully on the championship without job security distractions.
Cole elaborated on the practicalities of contract timelines, suggesting that a post-World Cup evaluation is more sensible. "It’s only until the end of the season that the World Cup finishes in November time. So then you’ve got the Six Nations and then you’ve got summer. And if it goes really badly, I’m sure they’ll make a change. But those coaches then will get paid out ’til the summer and they will have time to find a job."
This discussion opens up broader questions about the pressures and expectations placed on national coaches, especially in a sport as dynamic and result-oriented as rugby. The coming months will undoubtedly be pivotal for Borthwick and his squad as they look to turn their fortunes around and head into the World Cup with renewed vigor and strategy.
