Steve Borthwick departure date revealed as England head coach decision emerges

Thursday, 09 July 2026 at 07:37

bySteven Smith

England’s worrying run has now stretched to five consecutive defeats, piling further pressure on Steve Borthwick and raising serious questions about the direction of the national side.

Defeats to Scotland, Ireland, Italy and France during a disastrous 2026 Six Nations have now been followed by another loss against South Africa in Johannesburg.

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The latest setback means England have not won a Test since beating Wales in February, with familiar issues in attack, discipline and game management continuing to frustrate supporters.

However, despite the growing noise around Borthwick’s position, the bigger picture is becoming clearer.

RFU set for post-2027 change

Sources close to the Rugby Football Union indicate that Steve Borthwick is still expected to remain in charge through the 2027 Rugby World Cup, effectively setting a likely end point for his tenure.

Despite England’s five-match losing run, there is currently no indication that the RFU are preparing to make an immediate change.

However, it is understood the union are unlikely to consider extending Borthwick’s contract beyond the tournament in Australia.

That stance reflects lessons learned from previous regimes. Both Eddie Jones and Clive Woodward enjoyed long spells in charge, but their tenures ultimately ended earlier than planned, prompting a shift in how the union approaches succession planning.

Backing remains — for now

Publicly, Borthwick continues to receive support and has struck a calm tone despite growing scrutiny.

“We go into every game expecting to win — it’s what England supporters demand, and it’s what we demand of ourselves.”

The RFU have so far resisted calls for short-term change, remaining committed to stability through the current World Cup cycle.

However, with England now on their worst run of results under Borthwick, the pressure will only continue to grow if results do not improve.

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A defining World Cup ahead

For Borthwick, the situation is becoming increasingly clear.

He may not be coaching for his job in the immediate sense, but he is coaching towards what appears to be a fixed end point.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup will define his tenure and ultimately determine how this England era is judged.

Unless there is a dramatic change in direction before then, it could also mark the beginning of a new era for English rugby.

Five contenders to replace Borthwick as next England head coach

Here are five contenders.

#5. Sir Clive Woodward

The ultimate wildcard.

Sir Clive Woodward remains the only man to guide England to Rugby World Cup glory, famously leading the Red Rose to the title in 2003.

However, Woodward has not coached professionally since leaving England in 2004, making a return as head coach highly unlikely.

A senior advisory role? Maybe.

A full-blown return as England boss? That would be one of the biggest shocks in rugby history.

Verdict: Least likely, but guaranteed to get people talking.

#4. Scott Robertson

The superstar option.

Scott Robertson built a remarkable reputation with the Crusaders, winning seven consecutive Super Rugby titles before landing the All Blacks job.

His attacking style and winning mentality would be a huge shift for England, but appointing another overseas coach could prove complicated for the RFU.

It would also take a major move to lure him away from New Zealand.

Verdict: Huge name, but difficult to imagine right now.

#3. Ronan O’Gara

A future Test head coach.

Ronan O’Gara has earned huge praise for his work with La Rochelle, guiding the French giants to back-to-back Champions Cup titles.

The former Ireland and Lions fly-half has the tactical brain, personality and edge to thrive at international level.

The issue? The Ireland job may eventually be the one he really wants.

Verdict: A serious contender, but England may not be his first choice.

#2. Phil Dowson

The leading homegrown candidate.

Phil Dowson has done an excellent job at Northampton Saints, building one of the most exciting sides in English rugby.

He knows the Premiership, understands the English pathway and would represent a fresh start without the RFU looking overseas.

The only concern is experience, with England having already taken a similar gamble on Borthwick after his short spell at Leicester.

Verdict: The most realistic English option.

Poll:

#1. Shaun Edwards

The fans’ favourite.

Shaun Edwards’ future suddenly looks uncertain, and that alone makes him impossible to ignore.

The Wigan-born coach is widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in world rugby, having won seven Six Nations titles across spells with Wales and France.

England supporters have called for him to be brought home for years, and after another damaging defeat, that clamour is only getting louder.

He has never been a Test head coach, but few candidates offer his international experience, winning mentality and instant authority.

Verdict: The obvious headline contender.