How much it would cost England to sack Steve Borthwick

Friday, 27 February 2026 at 09:38

bySteven Smith

England head coach Steve Borthwick, whose contract runs until the end of 2027 on an estimated £700,000-a-year salary, is facing some of the most intense scrutiny of his tenure following a damaging start to the 2026 Guinness Six Nations campaign.

Back-to-back defeats — first to Scotland in Murrayfield and then a crushing 42-21 loss to Ireland at Twickenham — have seen questions mount over tactics, team mentality and leadership.

Pressure Points: Performance and Perception

England arrived at the Six Nations riding a 12-match winning streak, including big victories over France and New Zealand in autumn Tests. Despite that momentum, recent performances have left fans and pundits frustrated.

Defensive frailties and slow starts have been widely criticised, with Ireland’s dominance at Twickenham highlighting England’s inability to match intensity or execution. Former players and commentators have called the display “bitterly disappointing” and “sloppy,” intensifying scrutiny on Borthwick and his coaching ticket.

Criticism hasn’t come solely from supporters. Former England head coach has publicly questioned Borthwick’s strategy, pointing to

unusual pre-tournament messaging — in which Borthwick talked up a potential title-deciding clash with France — as a possible distraction that contributed to England’s slump.

Analysts have also flagged the risk of an overly analytical approach. Recent opinion pieces argue that a heavy reliance on data and “robotic” game management — with coaches seen behind laptops during matches — contrasts with the more emotionally engaged leadership styles seen elsewhere, potentially hurting England’s ability to inspire players in key moments.

The Fans Want Answers

Supporters have been vocal. Social media and fan forums lit up after the Ireland defeat, with some calling on the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to reconsider the coaching setup. Pressure on Borthwick has been compounded by calls for accountability across the squad, especially following tactical miscues in high-pressure situations.

Amid this backdrop, England are preparing for must-win matches against Italy and France to keep hopes alive — but a failure to respond could deepen the calls for a reset once the tournament wraps.

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

Annual salary: ~£700,000
Contract through 2027: ~2 years remaining

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:

Annual salaries: ~£500k – £700k
Remaining term cost: ~£1.0m – £1.4m
Severance/notice: £200k – £400k+

➡️ 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.