The RFU has confirmed Steve Borthwick will remain England head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, ending weeks of speculation that followed England's worst Six Nations campaign in years.
England finished fifth in this year's Championship, winning only their opening match against Wales before losing four consecutive games — the first time England have suffered four Six Nations defeats in a single tournament. The slide included a historic loss to Italy on March 7, the first time England had fallen to the Azzurri.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirmed the decision following a post-season review, describing it as "thorough and honest" while acknowledging multiple areas requiring improvement. The review concluded England's poor run "was not the result of a singular failure or issue" but rather "a number of interconnected performance areas such as discipline, execution of opportunities and making the most of key moments."
Full findings were withheld on grounds of competitive confidentiality. Borthwick's contract runs until the end of 2026, and his entire coaching staff will continue alongside him.
England now face an immediate and demanding test in the Nations Championship, with a schedule covering more than 40,000 kilometres that takes in a Test against South Africa in Johannesburg, followed by matches against Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero. The RFU may use the tour to manage Lions players' workloads ahead of the World Cup cycle.