England head coach Steve Borthwick, whose contract runs until the end of 2027 on an estimated £700,000-a-year salary, is facing the most intense scrutiny of his tenure following a damaging run of results in the 2026 Guinness Six Nations campaign.
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What began as a tournament full of expectation has quickly unravelled. England have now suffered three consecutive defeats — first to Scotland at Murrayfield, followed by a heavy 42–21 loss to Ireland at Twickenham, and most recently a historic 23–18 defeat to Italy in Rome, the first time the Azzurri have beaten England.
The loss to Italy has intensified questions surrounding England’s direction under Borthwick, with critics pointing to recurring issues around tactics, leadership and the team’s inability to respond when momentum shifts against them.
Pressure Points: Performance and Perception
England entered the Six Nations riding a 12-match winning streak, including impressive autumn victories over France and New Zealand. Despite that momentum, recent performances have left fans and pundits frustrated.
Defensive frailties, slow starts and a lack of attacking cohesion have all been highlighted in the aftermath of the defeats. Ireland’s dominance at Twickenham exposed England’s struggles to match elite teams for intensity and execution, while the loss in Rome raised fresh concerns about the squad’s composure and game management in pressure moments.
Former players and commentators have described England’s displays as “bitterly disappointing” and “sloppy,” increasing scrutiny on Borthwick and his coaching staff.
What a “Full Reset” Would Cost
*all amounts are estimated
If the RFU were to
dismiss Borthwick and overhaul his coaching team, the financial implications would be significant — largely driven by the remaining length of his contract and the size of the backroom staff.
Steve Borthwick’s Contract
Simple calculations suggest England would owe roughly £1.4m in remaining base salary if Borthwick was paid through to 2027 — and possibly significantly more if his contract includes notice periods or severance clauses typical in elite professional sport.
Add a likely termination payment (often six-to-12 months’ salary or a negotiated settlement) and the total bill for a Borthwick departure could easily sit around:
➡️ £1.8m – £2.2m+
Assistant Coaches and Backroom Staff
England’s full senior coaching team includes multiple assistants — forwards, backs, defence, attack, conditioning and analysis coaches — many believed to be earning around £100,000 per year each.
If there are approximately 5–7 assistants on multi-year deals:
➡️ Estimated assistants payout: £1.2m – £1.8m+
Total Estimated Cost of a Full Reset
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Borthwick remaining salary & payout | £1.8m – £2.2m |
| Assistants remaining salary & payout | £1.2m – £1.8m |
| Total | £3.0m – £4.0m+ |
This doesn’t account for legal costs, replacement hires (who may command premium pay), or potential bonus payouts — all of which could inflate the eventual tab.
Verdict
Borthwick’s England project has delivered periods of real success, but the current downturn and the manner of recent defeats have triggered intense debate. With a lucrative contract running through 2027, any decision to move on will be as costly as it is consequential for the RFU’s finances and long-term planning.
Whether the squad can arrest the slide in the coming weeks will determine whether the pressure is just noise — or the prelude to a seismic strategic shift.
“Firefighter” – Five Leading Contenders to Replace Steve Borthwick
So if the RFU were to twist, who could realistically step in?
Warren Gatland
Bio
A serial Six Nations winner with Wales and three-time British & Irish Lions head coach, Gatland is the ultimate international operator. His teams are built on defensive steel, ruthless conditioning and tournament nous. An “old hand” who knows exactly how to win in the northern hemisphere cauldron.
Why it makes sense
England need structure, clarity and bite. Gatland guarantees all three. He would command instant respect and strip things back to basics.
The risk
Pragmatic, attritional rugby won’t thrill Twickenham. And would England really turn to a coach so closely tied to Welsh success?
Verdict
Safe hands, short-term fix. If England want stability before the next World Cup cycle, Gatland is plug-and-play.
Scott Robertson
Bio
The architect of the Crusaders dynasty and recently moved on from the All Blacks role. Innovative, charismatic and attack-minded, Robertson built one of the most dominant provincial teams in history.
Why it makes sense
England’s attack has stagnated. Robertson would bring tempo, invention and belief. His man-management is widely praised, and his personality could reset the national mood overnight.
The risk
Little northern hemisphere experience. The English media glare is relentless.
Verdict
High ceiling, high drama. A statement appointment — and perhaps the bold reboot England crave.
Phil Dowson
Bio
Head coach of Northampton Saints and arguably the most progressive English coach in the Prem right now. Dowson has built a young, ambitious Saints side playing fearless, fast rugby.
Why it makes sense
He understands the English player pool intimately and promotes youth without fear. His brand of rugby aligns with where the modern Test game is heading.
The risk
No Test experience. The jump from club to international is vast — and unforgiving.
Verdict
The project pick. If the RFU want a long-term identity shift, Dowson is the developmental gamble.
Shaun Edwards
Bio
Currently defence guru with France, Edwards has built some of the most ferocious defensive systems in modern rugby. A league legend turned union mastermind, he has openly stated his desire to be a head coach.
Why it makes sense
England’s defensive edge has dulled. Edwards would restore aggression and clarity. His standards are famously uncompromising.
The risk
Limited head coach pedigree at Test level. Defence alone doesn’t solve creativity issues.
Verdict
Culture shock appointment. Could reignite England’s identity — but needs the right attacking lieutenant.
Poll
Sir Clive Woodward
Bio
The man who led England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003. Since stepping away from coaching, Woodward has been an outspoken critic of successive regimes.
Why it makes sense
Proven winner. Understands English rugby’s machinery better than anyone. If standards have slipped, he knows what elite looks like.
The risk
Two decades removed from frontline coaching. The modern game has evolved dramatically.
Verdict
Romantic but risky. A nostalgia play that would dominate headlines — but success is far from guaranteed.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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