When England sacked Eddie Jones in December 2022, the RFU faced one of the biggest decisions in English rugby history. Five other leading coaches had been tipped for the job, but Steve Borthwick was the man handed the keys to Twickenham.
The former England captain had just guided Leicester Tigers to the Premiership title. He knew the players, understood the system and had previously worked alongside Jones.
On paper, it made sense.
But Borthwick was far from the only option.
Just days before Jones lost his job, The Telegraph identified six possible replacements, including Borthwick himself.
From a serial winner in New Zealand to a familiar face in Wales, there were some fascinating alternatives.
Almost four years later, we've taken a look at what happened to the five men England could have turned to instead.
1. Warren Gatland
The situation in 2022: Gatland looked like the safe pair of hands England desperately needed.
The New Zealander had already won three Grand Slams with Wales and led the British & Irish Lions on three tours.
The Telegraph gave him a 7/10 chance of replacing Jones, making him the strongest contender behind Borthwick.
What happened next?
Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland arrives ahead of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations Championship Round 2 between Italy and Wales in Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy, Saturday, February 8, 2025 (Photo by Laszlo Geczo / Inpho)
Rather than take charge of England, Gatland returned to Wales in December 2022 for a second spell as head coach.
Unfortunately, the fairytale reunion never materialised.
Wales endured a miserable run of results, and Gatland departed in February 2025 following a record 14 consecutive Test defeats.
RUCK verdict: England probably dodged a bullet. Gatland's first spell with Wales was remarkable, but his second proved that even the greatest coaches can struggle to recreate old magic.
2. Scott Robertson
The situation in 2022: If England wanted excitement, Robertson was their man.
The breakdancing New Zealander had transformed the Crusaders into a winning machine, collecting Super Rugby titles for fun.
His attacking philosophy and reputation for building a strong team culture made him an intriguing alternative.
The Telegraph rated his chances at 6/10.
What happened next?
Robertson eventually landed the job he had always wanted, becoming All Blacks head coach after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
It was a major step up for a coach who had dominated the club game.
However, his dream appointment ended in January 2026, when he departed following an internal review of the team's performances.
The decision came just two years into his tenure, with New Zealand Rugby announcing that both parties had agreed to part ways.
Former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie was appointed as his replacement in March 2026, taking charge through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
RUCK verdict: Robertson was arguably the most exciting alternative available. Whether his methods would have worked at Twickenham is another question, but England fans would certainly have enjoyed finding out.
3. Ronan O'Gara
The situation in 2022: The former Ireland fly-half was one of the hottest coaching properties in Europe.
Having guided La Rochelle to Champions Cup glory, O'Gara had developed a reputation for tactical intelligence, fierce competitiveness and getting the best out of his players.
There was one problem.
He was serving a lengthy touchline ban following disciplinary issues in France.
That didn't stop The Telegraph rating his chances at 6/10.
What happened next?
O'Gara stayed in France and guided La Rochelle to another Champions Cup title in 2023.
That victory over Leinster only strengthened his reputation as one of Europe's leading coaches.
He remained one of the most discussed names whenever a major international job became available.
However, in September 2026, O'Gara ended speculation about his immediate future by signing a new contract with La Rochelle until 2031.
The extension, confirmed by the French club, means he could complete a decade in charge of the Top 14 side.
RUCK verdict: This is the one that might sting. O'Gara has the personality, tactical brain and winning mentality to make England a fascinating proposition. You suspect Twickenham would never have been dull.
4. Rob Baxter
The situation in 2022: Baxter had already achieved something extraordinary with Exeter Chiefs.
He had taken the Devon club from the Championship to the summit of English and European rugby.
Two Premiership titles and a Champions Cup triumph made his CV difficult to ignore.
However, his role as director of rugby was rather different from that of a traditional international head coach.
What happened next?
Baxter remained loyal to Exeter as the club entered a period of major change.
Several established stars departed, forcing the Chiefs to rebuild with a younger squad.
Rather than chase an international appointment, Baxter continued overseeing the club's long-term direction.
RUCK verdict: A brilliant club builder, but perhaps not the man England needed with a World Cup less than a year away. Baxter's greatest strength has always been developing something over time.
5. Mark McCall
The situation in 2022: Few coaches could match McCall's domestic record.
The Northern Irishman had built Saracens into one of Europe's most successful clubs, overseeing multiple Premiership titles and three European crowns.
His reputation for attention to detail and building a winning culture made him an obvious name to consider.
However, his contract with Saracens ran until 2025, making a move complicated.
What happened next?
McCall stayed at Saracens and added another Premiership title in 2023.
His side defeated Sale Sharks at Twickenham, providing another reminder of his ability to deliver trophies.
While other coaches chased international opportunities, McCall continued working at the club where he had enjoyed so much success.
After 15 years at the helm, McCall stepped down as Saracens director of rugby following the 2025/26 season.
He moved into a technical adviser and board role, with Brendan Venter returning to take over as director of rugby.
RUCK verdict: Perhaps the most underrated name on this list. McCall doesn't attract the same headlines as Robertson or O'Gara, but his record speaks for itself.
Read also
Did England make the right choice?
Borthwick inherited a difficult situation when he replaced Jones in December 2022.
He had just nine months to prepare England for the Rugby World Cup, eventually guiding them to third place in France.
That achievement deserves credit, particularly given the state of the team when he arrived.
But with names such as Robertson, O'Gara and McCall also in the conversation, it's fair to wonder whether England could have taken a different path.
Four years on, would you still choose Steve Borthwick?
