"Break the bank" - Sir Clive Woodward tells the RFU to get new coach

Friday, 27 February 2026 at 07:52

byRugby Rucker

Sir Clive Woodward has urged the Rugby Football Union to “break the bank” and transform England’s coaching set-up as pressure mounts on Steve Borthwick following back-to-back Six Nations defeats.

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England began their campaign with victory over Wales at Twickenham, extending their winning run to 12 matches and arriving at the tournament as one of the favourites. However, successive losses to Scotland and Ireland have left their title hopes hanging by a thread — and intensified scrutiny on Borthwick and his backroom staff.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Woodward questioned whether England’s current structure is fit for purpose and suggested sweeping changes may be required.

“Are England’s central contracts making for too cosy an environment?” he wrote.

“If so, take them away tomorrow and rethink the structure. I looked over at the Ireland bench last Saturday and saw Paul O’Connell, Johnny Sexton and Simon Easterby alongside Andy Farrell. Wow.”

Woodward pointed to Ireland’s heavyweight coaching team as the standard England should be chasing, arguing that a lack of continuity has hindered progress since the Eddie Jones era.

“England’s backroom has had little consistency dating back to the Eddie Jones era. Borthwick and England must break the bank to create a similar line-up. The most successful Englishman in Six Nations history is Shaun Edwards, but he’s been doing it for Wales and now France. Why?!”

Edwards forged his reputation during a hugely successful spell with Wales under Warren Gatland before taking charge of France’s defence. Widely regarded as one of the sharpest defensive minds in world rugby, he is viewed by many as a transformative figure.

Woodward believes the RFU must do everything in their power to bring him into the England fold — while also publicly backing Borthwick.

“I know in football that a vote of confidence in a manager from a club’s chief executive or chairman is seen as something that only happens just before they get sacked. But rugby is not like football," he added.

“I’d like to see RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney and performance director Conor O’Shea show their support for Borthwick, because he needs help. He is still an inexperienced Test coach and from where I am sitting, seems to be very much on his own.”

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Steve Borthwick is the highest-paid rugby coach in the world

The England boss, renowned for his razor-sharp attention to detail and relentless pursuit of excellence, now sits at the summit of rugby’s coaching pay scale.

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Highest-paid rugby coaches:

5) Eddie Jones (Japan) - £600,000 per year

Eddie Jones, the head coach of the Japanese national rugby team, earns £600,000 annually. With a reputation for turning teams into formidable contenders, Jones' coaching career includes notable successes with England and Australia (first stint, not second).

His innovative strategies and rigorous training methods have made significant impacts wherever he has coached. Now leading Japan once again, Jones is tasked with continuing the team's development and competitive presence on the global stage, reflecting his high value and esteemed position in international rugby coaching.

4) Scott Robertson (New Zealand) - £600,000 per year

Scott Robertson, the head coach of New Zealand's national rugby team, is one of the highest-paid coaches with an annual salary of £600,000. Known for his dynamic coaching style and ability to foster team cohesion, Robertson has a proven track record with the Crusaders in Super Rugby.

His transition to the national team has been highly anticipated, with expectations that his innovative approach will sustain New Zealand's rugby dominance. Robertson's leadership and tactical expertise make him a key figure in the sport's elite coaching ranks.

3) Andy Farrell (Ireland) - £600,000 per year

Andy Farrell, the head coach of the Irish national rugby team, earns £600,000 per year. A former rugby league and union star, Farrell has successfully transitioned into coaching, bringing his deep understanding of the game and motivational skills to his role.

Under his guidance, Ireland has achieved significant milestones, including historic wins over top-tier teams.

Despite falling short during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Farrell's ability to develop a resilient and competitive squad solidifies his standing as one of rugby's top-earning and most respected coaches.

2) Rassie Erasmus (South Africa) - £650,000 per year

Rassie Erasmus, the South African national team's director of rugby, earns £650,000 annually. Known for his strategic brilliance and transformative leadership, Erasmus masterminded South Africa's 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup victories.

His comprehensive approach to coaching, which includes a deep focus on player development and tactical innovation, has made him a pivotal figure in South African rugby. Erasmus' substantial salary reflects his critical role in maintaining the Springboks' status as a powerhouse in international rugby.

1) Steve Borthwick (England) - £700,000 per year

Steve Borthwick, the head coach of the English national rugby team, tops the list of highest-paid rugby coaches with a salary of £700,000 per year.

A former England captain and experienced coach, Borthwick is celebrated for his meticulous approach and emphasis on discipline and technical excellence. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping England's competitive strategies and overall performance.

Borthwick's substantial remuneration underscores his significant impact and the high expectations placed on him to steer England to continued success on the global stage.

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