England boss Steve Borthwick’s exit revealed — and the shock name tipped to replace him

Thursday, 01 January 2026 at 20:23

bySteven Smith

Steve Borthwick is set to lead England Rugby until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with his RFU contract extending through the tournament.

Despite some rocky moments, the RFU is opting for stability over chaos—at least for now.

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From Chaos to Bronze... and Back Again

Two years ago, England sacked Eddie Jones after a run of poor results. In came Borthwick, who navigated a favourable World Cup draw and dragged England to an unexpected bronze medal. But what followed was anything but smooth sailing.

A string of narrow defeats to top-tier opposition, including three consecutive home losses to southern hemisphere heavyweights, left fans disillusioned. The mood was grim, and Borthwick was under fire. Even a captaincy change couldn’t prevent a five-point loss in Dublin, punctuated by yet another second-half collapse. Things were going downhill—fast.

A Twist of Fate: Fortunes Flip in Spring

Then came the turnaround. England shocked France and rode their luck against Scotland. Both games could have gone the other way, but these gritty wins injected belief into a squad that had consistently promised more than they delivered.

With momentum building, they hammered Italy and blew Wales away. In just one Six Nations campaign, England’s back row transformed into a dominant force, and the fly-half pulled the strings with precision. Sure, there are still questions in the midfield, and their phase play needs tightening, but England emerged as the one team that truly exceeded expectations.

Learning from Eddie and Clive

The RFU isn’t taking chances. They’re learning from the prolonged reigns of Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward that both ended ugly. Whether England thrives or stumbles in Australia, the expectation is that Borthwick will step aside after 2027.

For now, though, England is banking on consistency—and hoping Borthwick’s steady hand will guide them to new heights.

FAVOURITES TO REPLACE STEVE BORTHWICK:

The Old Master – Sir Clive Woodward (100/1)

England’s only World Cup-winning coach remains the ultimate reference point for success in red and white. More pundit than practitioner these days, Woodward’s gravitas still resonates — but in the modern RFU landscape, he’s more romantic longshot than realistic contender.

The Mastermind – Rassie Erasmus (50/1)

A two-time World Cup winner, tactical disruptor, and social-media provocateur, Erasmus is one of rugby’s most brilliant — and divisive — thinkers. Tempting him from South Africa would be ambitious, but few CVs shine brighter. He’s even said he’d “love to coach England.”

The Rising Star – Ronan O’Gara (12/1)

La Rochelle’s talismanic leader has become one of Europe’s most admired coaches, mixing Irish steel with Crusaders-inspired craft. Passionate on the touchline and razor-sharp tactically, O’Gara feels destined for a Test job sooner rather than later.

The Lineout Brain – Geoff Parling (10/1)

Newly confirmed as Michael Cheika’s successor at Leicester Tigers, Parling’s stock is soaring. A cerebral lock in his playing days, he’s now carving a reputation as one of the game’s brightest forward-thinkers. England may come calling sooner than expected.

The Rebuilder – Stuart Lancaster (8/1)

Since exiting England in 2015, Lancaster has rebuilt his reputation with precision — first at Leinster, now steering Connacht. A meticulous planner and renowned developer of players, he represents the compelling “second chance” narrative bookmakers clearly fancy.

The Favourite Son – Andy Farrell (5/1)

Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning mastermind and 2025 Lions head coach, Farrell is arguably the world’s most coveted leader. His mix of defensive steel and emotional intelligence has transformed Ireland. But trading Dublin for Twickenham? That’s the real question.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

Alright, this might sting a bit—but if you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby legends from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you even watching?

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!

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