RFU chief backs Borthwick to see out England contract

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Borthwick’s reign as head coach was extended until after the 2028 Six Nations two months ago, even though earlier this year England had crashed to their worst performance in the tournament’s history.

Victories against Fiji and Argentina during a July tour that opened with a comprehensive loss to South Africa eased the pressure on Borthwick, who is currently preparing his team for Sunday’s Nations Championship clash with Australia at Twickenham.

Four years ago his predecessor Eddie Jones was sacked at the end of an autumn that produced just one win in four Tests, but RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney ruled out the prospect of Borthwick leaving before Australia 2027.

“We’re committed to Steve,” said Sweeney, who made the decision to axe Jones in 2022 after his seven-year reign unravelled amid losses to the Pumas and Springboks and a draw with New Zealand.

“We’ve extended his contract until the middle of 2028. We believe in what he’s doing.

“We had a difficult Six Nations this year, we accept that, but we just want to see continued progress and we’re backing him to get that done.”