RFU make huge Steve Borthwick decision ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

BBC Sport reports that the RFU plans to extend Borthwick's current deal beyond the 2028 Six Nations, giving the England head coach and his backroom team greater certainty ahead of next year's tournament in Australia.

, with the governing body keen to avoid Borthwick entering the World Cup with his future unresolved.

The decision was revealed by RFU performance director Conor O'Shea during an interview with Rugby Union Weekly

"You don't want them looking for a job going into [a World Cup]," O'Shea explained.

"Everyone knows it will be judged on the World Cup, but you can't have a group of coaches going in with that uncertainty, especially when you look at the timing.

"So we will give that certainty, and that will give us time to look properly."

The proposed extension represents a significant show of faith in Borthwick, although it does not guarantee he will remain in charge long-term.

O'Shea made it clear that England's performance at the 2027 Rugby World Cup will ultimately have a major influence on what happens next.

Borthwick replaced Eddie Jones as England head coach in December 2022 and enjoyed an encouraging first World Cup campaign just months later.

England reached the semi-finals in France, where they came agonisingly close to eliminating eventual champions South Africa before suffering a 16-15 defeat in Paris.

They subsequently defeated Argentina to finish third.

There have been plenty of ups and downs since, but the RFU continues to believe Borthwick can lead England into contention for the Webb Ellis Cup.

"This England team is unequivocally one of probably five teams who can win the World Cup next year," O'Shea told the BBC.

"Is the talent there? 100%."

The RFU's move means Borthwick should now head into Australia 2027 without immediate speculation surrounding his future.

However, the message from O'Shea is equally clear: the World Cup will still be the ultimate test of Borthwick's England reign.

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