England coach Steve Borthwick is set to be handed a contract extension by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) through to 2028.
According to The Telegraph, Borthwick’s coaching staff are also expected to remain in place. RFU performance director Conor O’Shea believes providing certainty before next year’s World Cup is crucial.
“You don’t want them looking for a job going into a World Cup,” O’Shea told The Telegraph.
“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.”
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Borthwick, 46, succeeded Eddie Jones as England head coach ahead of the 2023 Six Nations and guided the team to the semi-finals of that year’s Rugby World Cup.
He’s won 28 of his 48 Tests in charge, giving him a 58.3% win rate, and is set to take charge of his 50th England Test when they face Japan at Allianz Stadium on 14 November. Only Sir Clive Woodward and Jones have overseen more England Tests as head coach.
Despite those numbers, Borthwick has struggled to fully win over England supporters and has faced regular speculation over his future. But O’Shea offered a strong endorsement of Borthwick, insisting the former England lock is completely committed to the national team.
“I see in Steve someone who bleeds England, and wants England to succeed more than anything you can imagine,” he said.
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