Steve Borthwick is likely to leave his post as England manager after the 2027 Rugby World Cup – regardless of how England perform in Australia.
The 46-year-old is under contract until the end of the tournament and, unlike previous England managers, the Rugby Football Union appears to be in no rush to give him a lucrative long-term extension.
Join the RUCK broadcast channel on Instagram and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
This marks a clear shift in strategy.
RFU learns from past mistakes
The RFU had previously struck long-term deals with Sir Clive Woodward and Eddie Jones, but those decisions backfired.
Woodward signed a four-year extension in 2003 before leading England to World Cup glory, but resigned less than a year later after a sharp decline in results.
Jones was rewarded with a new contract after leading England to the 2019 World Cup final. However, England’s form steadily declined and he was sacked in December 2022, less than a year before the 2023 tournament and with time remaining on his contract.
This experience appears to have shaped the RFU’s current thinking.
Borthwick contract
Borthwick replaced Jones in December 2022 on a five-year contract that runs until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Although RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has publicly backed him to bring England to Australia, there are no signs that contract negotiations are on the horizon.
Instead, management appears intent on assessing his future after the World Cup rather than before.
This means Borthwick is likely to bow out at the end of the tournament, regardless of whether England win the Webb Ellis Cup, lose in the play-offs or are a complete disappointment.
Unless either side changes course, November 2027 could be the natural end of Borthwick’s reign as England manager.
Editor’s Choice:
Quiz: Name 10 retro rugby players.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable hairstyles), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t immediately come to mind, we suggest taking a quick look at YouTube to refresh your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you still have it. Good luck!
More quizzes: