Steve Borthwick gets RFU backing despite five defeats in seven Tests

Steve Borthwick has been backed to lead England into the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney saying he does not expect this autumn’s results to trigger a change of head coach.

The endorsement comes after five defeats in England’s past seven Tests and ahead of Sunday’s Nations Championship meeting with Australia at Allianz Stadium.

Borthwick’s contract was extended in September until the middle of 2028, taking him beyond the World Cup in Australia and through the following Six Nations. Sweeney’s latest comments reinforce that commitment as England prepare for another demanding November.

Steve Borthwick contract: RFU wants certainty before World Cup

“We’re committed to Steve, we’ve extended his contract to the middle of 2028,” Sweeney said, in comments reported by The Independent.

“We believe in what he’s doing. We had a difficult Six Nations this year, we accept that, but we just want to see continued progress and we’re backing him to get that done.”

Sweeney said the extension was intended to let the coaching staff concentrate on the World Cup without the distraction of finding their next jobs. The RFU used the same approach with its women’s coaching programme.

Our earlier report on Borthwick’s contract extension beyond the 2028 Six Nations covered the reasoning behind the deal. The renewed backing comes before England’s first home Test of the November campaign.

England’s Six Nations failures leave pressure to improve

England finished fifth in this year’s Six Nations after losing four of their five matches, including a first Test defeat to Italy and a record home loss against Ireland.

They then lost 45-21 to South Africa in July before beating Fiji 73-8 and Argentina 31-24. Those victories offered a response, although Sky Sports’ assessment of England’s autumn prospects highlights the continuing search for consistency.

Discipline is another concern. England have received 14 yellow cards and one red in 2026, and Sweeney said the review of the Six Nations had identified issues that the coaches have worked to address.

The RFU’s backing gives Borthwick greater certainty about the plan. Sweeney’s demand for continued progress means performances remain under scrutiny.

Australia provide the next test at Twickenham

England face Australia on Sunday 8 November at 3.10pm GMT, followed by Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November. A further match follows on Nations Championship finals weekend.

Fin Smith provided a fitness boost by completing training on Wednesday after a calf injury. Assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth said England were optimistic about his availability, while making clear that selection depended on his recovery from the session, Sky Sports reported.

The Australia match begins England’s next opportunity to turn the RFU’s confidence into results. Follow the build-up in our international rugby coverage.