Steve Borthwick looks set to remain England head coach until after the 2028 Six Nations. But I wouldn't be so sure his future is settled just yet.
Reports in September suggested the RFU had agreed to extend his deal beyond next year's Rugby World Cup.
It was a pretty bold show of faith after England's awful Six Nations campaign, which raised serious questions about the direction of English rugby.
Four defeats from five matches, including a first-ever loss to Italy, hardly made a strong case for a new contract.
But the RFU stuck by Borthwick, with reports of a contract extension emerging in September.
Performance director Conor O'Shea was keen to avoid any uncertainty heading into the World Cup.
"You don't want them looking for a job going into [a World Cup]," he told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.
Fair enough. Nobody wants a coach worrying about his next job when he should be preparing for a World Cup.
But there's one thing I find interesting. The RFU might have put a new contract on the table, but I'd be keeping the receipt handy.
What happens if England struggle in November?
Despite reports of a new deal, there has still been no official announcement from the RFU confirming it has been signed.
And I'd be interested to see how strong that backing remains if England win fewer than three matches next month.
They've got Australia, Japan and New Zealand before the Nations Championship finals weekend.
Australia, in particular, looks a really tough opener.
The Wallabies are more than capable of winning at Twickenham, and another home defeat would put England straight back under pressure.
Japan is a game England should win. Nobody will be expecting an easy afternoon against the All Blacks.
That leaves the finals weekend, where England will face another opponent depending on the standings.
Personally, I think three wins from four is a fair target. That's hardly asking them to reinvent the wheel. Just win the games they're supposed to win and give the better sides a proper fight.
Anything less and we're having the same conversations we had after the Six Nations.
How much time does Borthwick deserve?
I'm not calling for Borthwick to be sacked.
Changing coaches this close to a World Cup would be a massive gamble, and there's no guarantee anyone else would do a better job.
But I also don't think England can keep using Australia 2027 as a giant get-out-of-jail-free card every time results go wrong.
At some stage, we need to see this team delivering consistently.
Borthwick has had nearly four years in charge. He's had time to build his squad, bring in his coaches and put his stamp on the side.
There have been some very good performances along the way.
But there have also been far too many disappointing ones.
The RFU clearly believes Borthwick is the right man.
I hope they're right.
But if England stumble through November, that reported contract extension could become a rather awkward piece of paperwork.
And suddenly, the questions the RFU thought they'd answered will be back on the table.
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