Steve Borthwick names his England successor — and it’s a surprising choice

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 at 19:48

byRugby Rucker

Steve Borthwick has recalled George Ford to the England starting line-up – and believes the fly-half could one day take his own job.

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Ford returns to the No.10 shirt for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks, winning his 104th cap. Borthwick has opted for the Sale Sharks playmaker’s big-game experience over Fin Smith’s youthful flair.

The 32-year-old endured a tough outing against New Zealand last year, missing a penalty and drop goal as England suffered a 24-22 defeat at Twickenham. But Ford has bounced back to become England’s form fly-half this season.

After steering England to a 25-7 victory over Australia a fortnight ago — where he masterminded a second-half tactical shift — Ford made way for Smith in the 38-18 win over Fiji last weekend.

With the toughest test of the autumn now approaching, Borthwick has turned back to his most experienced No.10 — and says Ford’s rugby intelligence could see him move into coaching once his playing days are over.

Borthwick said:

“I've gone on record as saying that many years from now he's going to be a brilliant coach.

“He's that kind of character, and has such a great understanding of the game, I wouldn't be in any way surprised if he'd be England coach at some point. I think he will be, if that's where he chooses to go. Having a player and a person of that kind, with his understanding, calmness, leadership - he's phenomenal.”

England’s run of narrow defeats to the Kiwis played a part in Borthwick’s decision to bring Ford back into the starting side. The fly-half made his Test debut back in 2014 and has seen it all — from the highs to the lows of international rugby.

Borthwick added:

“All those experiences, those tight games, we can now recall them and call upon them. We've shared those experiences.

“George is somebody who, with over 100 caps now, he has plenty of those experiences. He's seen so many things happen and so many things occur before, he can call on them and share his experiences with the team.

“I'm really hopeful it is not a game where we're dependent on a ball hitting the post or not for the result, I don't want it to be that tight, but it could well be.”

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FAVOURITES TO REPLACE STEVE BORTHWICK

Here’s the runners and riders, odds in tow, in true RUCK fashion:

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

England’s only World Cup-winning coach remains the touchstone for what success looks like in red and white. Two decades on, Woodward is more pundit than practitioner, yet his authority still carries weight. A romantic pick, but unlikely in the modern RFU setup.

Exeter’s Builder – Rob Baxter (20/1)

Few have shaped an English club more than Baxter, who took Exeter from Championship battlers to Premiership and European champions. Calm, consistent and deeply connected to English rugby, he’s a serious candidate if the RFU want a steady hand after Borthwick.

The Grit Merchant – Steve Diamond (20/1)

Diamond has made a career of toughening up squads, whether at Sale, Worcester or Newcastle. Known for his no-nonsense approach and sharp eye for value, he’d bring edge and discipline. The question: does his style scale up to Test rugby pressure?

The Forwards Fixer – Richard Cockerill (15/1)

Once Leicester’s firebrand hooker, Cockerill has matured into a seasoned coach, now leading Georgia and Black Lion. His international experience and knowledge of the English game make him a fascinating outside shout. Expect scrums, mauls, and plenty of bite.

The Maverick – Michael Cheika (15/1)

Cheika’s year-long stint at Leicester Tigers is coming to a close, with the Wallabies’ 2015 World Cup finalist opting to move on at the end of the 2024/25 season. His fiery passion and proven big-tournament pedigree keep his name in the mix. A proven motivator, but his nomadic coaching career may count against him for the stability England crave.

The Mastermind – Rassie Erasmus (15/1)

Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok boss, tactical innovator, social-media stirrer — Erasmus is one of the sharpest (and most controversial) brains in rugby. Luring him from South Africa would be audacious, but his record speaks for itself.

The Rising Star – Ronan O’Gara (12/1)

The La Rochelle supremo has fast become one of Europe’s most admired coaches, pairing Irish grit with Kiwi tactical nous from his Crusaders stint. Known for fiery touchline passion and smart attacking plans, O’Gara looks destined for a Test gig sooner rather than later.

The Lineout Brain – Geoff Parling (10/1)

Fresh from being confirmed as Michael Cheika’s successor at Leicester Tigers, Parling’s stock has never been higher.

A cerebral lock in his playing days, he could become England’s next forward-thinking head coach in more ways than one.

The Favourite Son – Andy Farrell (5/1)

Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning head coach and 2025 Lions boss, Farrell is perhaps the most coveted leader in world rugby right now. His blend of defensive steel and human touch has transformed Ireland into a powerhouse. Whether he’d swap Dublin for Twickenham is another story.

The Rebuilder – Stuart Lancaster (4/1)

Lancaster has quietly rebuilt his reputation since leaving England in 2015, thriving at Leinster and now in the URC with Connacht. A meticulous planner and player developer, he offers a second-chance narrative the RFU may find compelling. The bookies clearly think so.

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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