Steve Borthwick's Next Job Revealed if England Sack Head Coach

Monday, 18 May 2026 at 21:09

byCharlie Elliott

Coaching changes are never far away in PREM Rugby, with pressure, success and ambition constantly shaping the future.

From potential internal promotions to experienced international names, every club has a possible successor waiting in the wings.

Some candidates have already been linked with the role, while others simply feel like the natural fit. Here, we look at each PREM Rugby club’s most likely next boss and the reasoning behind every prediction.

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Northampton Saints - Sam Vesty

It is hard to imagine anyone stepping seamlessly into Phil Dowson’s shoes, considering the outstanding work he has done at Saints. The club sit top of the table, have secured their first Premiership title in a decade and reached a Champions Cup final under his leadership.

There may only be a limited window before Dowson receives international recognition, having already been linked with the England job as a potential successor to Steve Borthwick.

Given how difficult he would be to replace, an internal appointment could make the most sense. Current head coach Sam Vesty appears the most likely candidate to step up as director of rugby.

Vesty has steadily progressed through the coaching ranks, previously working as a skills coach with England before moving from backs and attack coach to head coach during the 2022/23 season.

Bath - Jacques Nienaber

Johann van Graan is another coach doing an exceptional job, having guided Bath to their first league title in 29 years. That triumph completed a historic treble after success in both the Premiership Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup earlier in the campaign.

Replacing Van Graan would require a major name, and Bath could again look towards South Africa for inspiration.

Jacques Nienaber was the head coach when the Springboks retained the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and is now part of Leo Cullen’s staff at Leinster. Widely regarded as one of the sharpest minds in rugby, he would be a strong choice to continue Bath’s recent success.

Leicester Tigers - Steve Borthwick

Geoff Parling has only recently arrived at Leicester Tigers but has already made a strong impression, with the club firmly in contention for a home semi-final after an impressive season at Welford Road.

Although still relatively early in his coaching career, with previous experience limited to a forwards coaching role with Australia, it is difficult to see him leaving unless another side attempts to lure him away in the future.

If Parling remains in the role for some time, current England boss Steve Borthwick could eventually return to take charge.

During his previous spell at Tigers, Borthwick led the club to the Premiership title in 2021/22 before succeeding Eddie Jones with England.

His England tenure has produced mixed results and, after a disappointing Six Nations campaign, his stock may have dropped enough for a return to club rugby to become realistic.

A move back to Leicester, where he previously enjoyed significant success, would make plenty of sense.

Exeter Chiefs - Geoff Parling

It feels strange to picture Exeter Chiefs without Rob Baxter in charge, although the day will eventually come when the club must move on from their long-serving figurehead.

By that stage, Geoff Parling could have developed into the ideal successor.

Part of the logic behind that prediction comes from Parling’s history with the club as a player, including helping Exeter win the Premiership title in 2017.

As already mentioned, his reputation as a coach continues to grow and Chiefs will likely want a strong presence to follow a club legend like Baxter.

Saracens - Owen Farrell

Brendan Venter will return to Saracens in a full-time role as director of rugby from the start of the 2026/27 season, resuming a position he first held in 2009.

When Venter originally joined the club, he recruited former London Irish centre partner Mark McCall as first-team coach.

McCall would then go on to spend 15 consecutive seasons as Saracens director of rugby, overseeing one of the club’s most successful periods.

A similar succession plan could eventually emerge again. Owen Farrell is already operating in a player-coach role and appears to have ambitions of moving into coaching once his playing career ends.

Bristol Bears - Warren Gatland

Pressure is beginning to build on Pat Lam following Bristol Bears’ heavy 94-33 defeat to Northampton Saints.

With the Bears now at risk of missing the play-offs once again, Warren Gatland has emerged as a surprise contender to replace him at Ashton Gate.

After leaving Wales, Gatland has been linked with a return to club rugby and is regarded as one of the most high-profile coaches currently available.

The 62-year-old is among the most decorated coaches of the professional era, having led Wales to multiple Six Nations titles while also enjoying successful spells with Wasps, the British & Irish Lions and at international level.

Sale Sharks - Stuart Lancaster

Alex Sanderson is another director of rugby facing increasing scrutiny after a disappointing campaign which has left Sale Sharks sitting seventh with little left to play for.

It marks a significant drop-off after reaching the semi-finals last season, although Sanderson is expected to receive one more opportunity next year following a number of new signings.

Like Sanderson, Stuart Lancaster fits the club’s northern identity. The Cumbrian-born former England head coach remains a divisive figure among rugby supporters.

Lancaster oversaw England’s disastrous 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, when they became the first host nation and first former world champions to fail to progress beyond the group stage.

Now rebuilding his reputation at Connacht, Lancaster still carries enough pedigree to be considered a realistic option for Sale.

Harlequins - Nick Easter

It may only be a matter of time before Harlequins legend Nick Easter eventually takes charge at The Stoop.

Jason Gilmore’s position does not appear completely secure and, if a change is made, appointing someone already adored by supporters could help restore goodwill at a club that continues to underperform.

Easter won Harlequins’ Player of the Year award four times across his career and later spent time as the club’s defence coach after retiring.

Now with Chinnor RFC, he has gradually built his coaching reputation and a return to Harlequins could prove too tempting to turn down.

Gloucester - Joel Tomkins

Joel Tomkins enjoyed a dual-code playing career, representing England in both rugby league and rugby union.

In 2025, he stepped into the role of interim coach at Super League side Catalans Dragons following the departure of Steve McNamara.

Tomkins has since agreed to join Gloucester as defence coach next season and is already being tipped as a possible long-term successor to George Skivington as director of rugby.

Those changes will also include the arrival of Chris Boyd as technical director.

Newcastle Red Bulls - Gregor Townsend

It may seem ambitious to suggest current Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend could eventually take charge of the Prem's bottom side, but Newcastle Red Bulls’ expected takeover is likely to raise ambitions significantly.

Townsend is already involved with Newcastle in a part-time consultancy role while continuing with Scotland, fuelling speculation that he could eventually take over in the north east.

Known for his attacking brand of rugby, Townsend would fit the style Newcastle are expected to pursue. He also has extensive experience overseeing long-term rebuilding projects, something the club will likely require.

A move could also appeal financially while keeping him relatively close to home.