RFU reaffirms Borthwick backing through 2027 World Cup

The Rugby Football Union has reaffirmed its support for Steve Borthwick to lead England at the 2027 World Cup in Australia, regardless of results before the tournament. Chief executive Bill Sweeney set out that position on Wednesday, November 4, according to AFP, while acknowledging the team's disappointing Six Nations campaign and calling for continued progress.

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England lost four of their five matches in this year's Six Nations, including a first defeat by Italy. Their subsequent July programme began with a heavy loss to South Africa before victories against Fiji and Argentina. AFP reported that England nevertheless enter their next match against Australia having lost five of their past seven Tests.

Borthwick's contract was extended two months ago to run beyond the 2028 Six Nations. PA reported that his previous tenure had been due to end after the World Cup, with the extension adding eight months. He had retained the RFU's support following the review of England's Six Nations performance, despite the scale of that setback.

Sweeney explained that the longer agreement was intended to let the coaches concentrate on the World Cup without being distracted by uncertainty over their next jobs. Keeping the same staff through the following Six Nations was also part of that plan. According to PA, he said the union continued to consider succession planning for the period after Borthwick.

The assurance contrasts with the decision to dismiss Borthwick's predecessor, Eddie Jones, after an autumn campaign that yielded one victory in four Tests in 2022. PA reported that Sweeney ruled out Borthwick leaving before Australia 2027. England's current programme includes matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand, followed by the inaugural Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham.

There was also a conditional fitness update on fly-half Fin Smith, who has been managing a calf injury. AFP reported that he completed Wednesday's training session, but defence coach Richard Wigglesworth said England still needed to assess his reaction over the following 24 hours. His participation in training therefore did not amount to confirmation that he would play against Australia.