11-man shortlist to replace England boss Steve Borthwick emerges
Rugby NewsSunday, 08 March 2026 at 20:40
England’s disastrous Six Nations campaign has left Steve Borthwick under intense scrutiny, with criticism mounting over England’s lack of attacking identity, poor discipline and a string of damaging defeats — including a historic loss to Italy in Rome.
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.
While the RFU have publicly backed their head coach for now, a post-tournament review is expected, and speculation has already begun over who could replace him if Twickenham decides a change is needed before the next World Cup cycle gathers pace.
RugbyPass have drawn up an 11-man shortlist of potential successors, ranging from international heavyweights to Premiership coaches and a few left-field outsiders. Here’s a brief look at their reasoning — and a RUCK verdict on how realistic each appointment actually is, scored out of 10.
England head coach shortlist — RUCK verdict
Scott Robertson
RugbyPass: “Razor lost a dressing room power battle… following an internal review into defeats to Argentina and South Africa.”
RUCK verdict:
If Robertson truly became available, England would be mad not to explore it. He’s the most innovative coach of the generation and a serial winner with the Crusaders. The issue is politics: England appointing a recently ousted All Blacks coach would be explosive, and Robertson might prefer another Super Rugby/All Blacks pathway.
If Robertson truly became available, England would be mad not to explore it. He’s the most innovative coach of the generation and a serial winner with the Crusaders. The issue is politics: England appointing a recently ousted All Blacks coach would be explosive, and Robertson might prefer another Super Rugby/All Blacks pathway.
Likelihood: 6/10
Ronan O’Gara
RugbyPass: “There have been whispers about his future all season… he said he hoped his next rugby was in charge of an international side.”
RUCK verdict:
O’Gara is one of the hottest properties in world coaching. But England appointing an Irish icon before the 2027 World Cup feels unlikely. The IRFU would also fight hard to keep him in their pipeline.
O’Gara is one of the hottest properties in world coaching. But England appointing an Irish icon before the 2027 World Cup feels unlikely. The IRFU would also fight hard to keep him in their pipeline.
Likelihood: 4/10
Andy Farrell
RugbyPass: “Without a doubt… a popular choice among the fans… but extremely unlikely to leave with the World Cup so close.”
RUCK verdict:
A dream candidate on paper — respected in England, hugely successful with Ireland. But he’s targeting the next World Cup cycle and is deeply embedded with the IRFU.
A dream candidate on paper — respected in England, hugely successful with Ireland. But he’s targeting the next World Cup cycle and is deeply embedded with the IRFU.
Likelihood: 2/10
Rob Baxter
RugbyPass: “He was willing to speak with the RFU when they were looking for Eddie Jones’ successor.”
RUCK verdict:
Baxter is exactly the kind of English, Premiership-proven operator the RFU historically gravitates toward. The question is whether he’d abandon Exeter during a rebuild.
Baxter is exactly the kind of English, Premiership-proven operator the RFU historically gravitates toward. The question is whether he’d abandon Exeter during a rebuild.
Likelihood: 6/10
Phil Dowson
RugbyPass: “He is known to have ambitions of coaching England one day.”
RUCK verdict:
Dowson is a rising English coach with strong man-management credentials. But this would be a huge leap from club rugby to a crisis national job.
Dowson is a rising English coach with strong man-management credentials. But this would be a huge leap from club rugby to a crisis national job.
Likelihood: 5/10
Shaun Edwards
RugbyPass: “One of the RFU’s biggest mistakes… was not snapping him up.”
RUCK verdict:
A legendary defence coach — but never a head coach at this level. France also value him enormously and he’s in a comfortable role.
A legendary defence coach — but never a head coach at this level. France also value him enormously and he’s in a comfortable role.
Likelihood: 3/10
Johann van Graan
RugbyPass: “He has turned Bath into a trophy-winning machine.”
RUCK verdict:
Van Graan is quietly becoming one of the best club coaches in Europe. But he’s frequently linked with a future Springboks job, which may be the bigger prize.
Van Graan is quietly becoming one of the best club coaches in Europe. But he’s frequently linked with a future Springboks job, which may be the bigger prize.
Likelihood: 4/10
Jamie Joseph
RugbyPass: “After getting into the final two for the All Blacks job, he would probably fancy a crack.”
RUCK verdict:
Joseph is a very good coach — but England rarely go for southern hemisphere outsiders without a Premiership connection.
Joseph is a very good coach — but England rarely go for southern hemisphere outsiders without a Premiership connection.
Likelihood: 3/10
Michael Cheika
RugbyPass: “Someone who certainly has the pedigree… but is working in the NRL this season.”
RUCK verdict:
Cheika loves chaos jobs and has coached in England before. But the RFU may fear another volatile personality after the Eddie Jones era.
Cheika loves chaos jobs and has coached in England before. But the RFU may fear another volatile personality after the Eddie Jones era.
Likelihood: 5/10
John Mitchell
RugbyPass: “Already employed by the RFU… could avoid paying compensation.”
RUCK verdict:
Mitchell is a serious rugby brain and already inside the system. But moving the Red Roses World Cup-winning coachinto the men’s job would be a controversial reshuffle.
Mitchell is a serious rugby brain and already inside the system. But moving the Red Roses World Cup-winning coachinto the men’s job would be a controversial reshuffle.
Likelihood: 4/10
Jake White
RugbyPass: “A former Rugby World Cup winner… looking to get back into coaching.”
RUCK verdict:
The CV is elite, but White hasn’t been close to the international cutting edge for a while. England usually want someone more embedded in their system.
The CV is elite, but White hasn’t been close to the international cutting edge for a while. England usually want someone more embedded in their system.
Likelihood: 2/10
POLL:
RUCK overall ranking (most realistic)
- Scott Robertson – 6/10
- Rob Baxter – 6/10
- Phil Dowson – 5/10
- Michael Cheika – 5/10
- Johann van Graan – 4/10
Dark horse: John Mitchell.
Name every England captain of the professional era
Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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