Steve Borthwick will lead England through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the RFU backing their man to finish what he started – but make no mistake, this isn’t a lifetime appointment.
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The RFU have seen how things can sour – just ask Eddie Jones or Sir Clive Woodward. Sources close to RUCK suggest that no matter how England perform in Australia – whether they soar or stumble – Borthwick is likely to step down after the tournament. The plan is clear: a full World Cup cycle, and then a clean slate.
Borthwick, a former England captain, began coaching while still playing for Saracens, cutting his teeth at the club’s academy in 2012 while studying at the University of Hertfordshire. He quickly rose through the ranks, working as forwards coach for Japan under Eddie Jones, playing a key role in the Brave Blossoms' iconic 2015 World Cup upset over South Africa.
After a short stint with Bristol, he was appointed England’s forwards coach in 2015, staying in the role through multiple Six Nations and World Cup campaigns. In 2020, he took the reins at Leicester Tigers, guiding the club to their 11th Premiership title in 2022.
Borthwick officially succeeded Eddie Jones as England head coach in December 2022.
? Borthwick’s Record So Far
Since taking charge, Borthwick has coached 33 matches, winning 18 and losing 15 – a 54.5% win rate. Highlights include a third-place finish at the 2023 Rugby World Cup (losing to South Africa by just one point in the semi-final) and a strong 2025 Six Nations campaign so far, with 4 wins from 5.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. England suffered back-to-back defeats to New Zealand, a home loss to Fiji, and a disappointing autumn in 2024 with three defeats in four.
? Steve Borthwick Overall Record
- Total Matches: 33
- Wins: 18
- Losses: 15
- Draws: 0
- Win Rate: 54.5%
? By Year
2023
- Matches: 16
- Wins: 9
- Losses: 7
- Win Rate: 56.3%
2024
- Matches: 12
- Wins: 5
- Losses: 7
- Win Rate: 41.7%
2025
- Matches: 5 (up to March 15)
- Wins: 4
- Losses: 1
- Win Rate: 80%
? By Competition
Six Nations Championship
- Matches: 15
- Wins: 9
- Losses: 6
- Notable Wins: Ireland (2024, 2025), France (2025)
Rugby World Cup (2023)
- Matches: 7
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 1
- Finish: 3rd Place
- Only Loss: South Africa (Semi-final, 15–16)
Rugby World Cup Warm-ups
- Matches: 4
- Wins: 1
- Losses: 3
Summer Tour (2024 – Japan & New Zealand)
- Matches: 3
- Wins: 1 (Japan)
- Losses: 2 (Both vs New Zealand)
Autumn Nations Series (2024)
- Matches: 4
- Wins: 1 (Japan)
- Losses: 3 (Argentina, Australia, South Africa)
?️ By Opposition
| Opponent | Matches | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Italy | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Wales | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| France | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Ireland | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Japan | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Chile | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Samoa | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fiji | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| South Africa | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 1 |
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- Statement: Saracens forward signs for Worcester Warriors
Steve Borthwick’s four worst England call-ups, one has quit for Six Nations rival
With one player even hinting at a potential switch to another nation, here are four players whose England careers have stalled under Borthwick.
#4. Tom Pearson – Still Stuck on One Cap
At 25, Pearson remains an intriguing prospect, yet he has only earned a solitary England cap. While his raw physicality makes him a standout at club level, he hasn't convinced Borthwick that he's the answer in England’s back row.
#3. Joe Cokanasiga – The Jonah Lomu Comparisons Have Faded
This summer will mark seven years since Joe Cokanasiga was first called into the England squad—a moment of immense promise for the then-teenager, whose power and pace drew early comparisons to the legendary Jonah Lomu.
However, his international career has never fully taken off. Despite earning 14 caps over five years, Cokanasiga has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. He was a surprise recall ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but after an underwhelming warm-up match against Wales, he was cut from the final squad.
At Bath, he has shown glimpses of his devastating best this season, yet it hasn't been enough to force his way back into Borthwick’s plans. Following his World Cup omission, the England head coach reportedly outlined areas for improvement, but so far, a recall has not materialised.
Verdict: Time is running out
#2. Zach Mercer – A Prem Return Gone Wrong
Mercer’s return to the Premiership was met with excitement after he was crowned Player of the Year during his stint in France. A recall to England training camp before the World Cup only fuelled speculation that he was finally back in the international frame.
Instead, Mercer never added to his two England caps. His two-year spell back in England has been frustrating, and reports now suggest he will leave Gloucester at the end of the season.
Verdict: England career over
#1. Ollie Hassell-Collins – England’s Loss, Wales’ Gain?
Handed his debut by Borthwick in 2023, Hassell-Collins looked like a winger with a bright future in England colours. However, after just two caps in last year’s Six Nations, he hasn’t been seen in an England squad since. Not only was he left out of this year’s Six Nations selection, but he wasn’t even picked for England A’s recent match against Portugal.
With Warren Gatland openly discussing his dual-nationality eligibility, the Leicester winger has now admitted he could be tempted to switch allegiances to Wales.
“I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider,” he told The Telegraph.
Verdict: Flop
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