England make Steve Borthwick contract decision, it's controversial

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at 10:04

byRugby Rucker

Bill Sweeney has dismissed the prospect of an early contract extension for England head coach Steve Borthwick, even after guiding the team to an 11-match winning run.

Borthwick, appointed in December 2022, remains under contract until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and despite a history of England coaches being secured well ahead of time, Sweeney insisted there are currently no discussions about extending his deal..

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“His contract goes through to 2027,” said Sweeney. “We are obviously delighted with the direction it is going in. We actually saw [progress] in 2024. It’s easy with hindsight now, but with those narrow losses in 24, we knew the trajectory the team was on.

“Narrow loss to Australia, the loss to New Zealand that could have gone the other way. We were confident at that stage that it was going in the right direction.

“I think what you’ve seen this year with the depth that the squad is building, the style of play he is developing, we are really happy with that. We haven’t got into any discussions about post-27.”

RUCK sources have previously reported that the RFU is highly reluctant to extend Borthwick’s deal—not because of any dissatisfaction with his work, but due to the lessons learned from the prolonged regimes of Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward, both of which ended sourly.

As things stand, regardless of how England perform through to the next World Cup, the expectation is that Borthwick will step aside after 2027.

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!