RFU Stops Short of Full Backing for Borthwick Amid Six Nations Review
Bill Sweeney, the chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, has given a strong indication that Steve Borthwick will continue as England's head coach for the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures this summer. This comes pending the outcome of a formal review into England's disappointing Six Nations campaign, where they secured only one victory.
Uncertainty Over Borthwick's Future
While Sweeney did not definitively confirm Borthwick's position for the challenging Test matches against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina in July, he emphasised that the RFU's primary focus is on providing additional support to the existing coaching team. He stated, 'I see the outcome being for us to make sure we have got the right support mechanisms in place to address that, and support Steve to get that right, going forward.'
Sweeney also revealed that there have been no approaches made to Andy Farrell, the highly successful Ireland head coach whose contract expires after the 2027 World Cup. This frankness could prove risky given Farrell's impressive track record, including two Six Nations titles and a grand slam with Ireland, as well as a successful British & Irish Lions tour.
Historical Context and Coaching Dynamics
Farrell has a complex history with the RFU, having served as England's defence coach under Stuart Lancaster before being dismissed after the 2015 World Cup. He later rejected an offer to join Eddie Jones's backroom team in 2018 due to a lack of assurances about eventually becoming head coach. With the Irish Rugby Football Union eager to extend his contract, the RFU faces the danger of missing out on a top-tier coach once again.
Sweeney commented on the situation, saying, 'He is under contract to the 2027 World Cup. We're not in a dialogue, we're not in a discussion with him at the present. We're going through the review now and our primary focus is to support that coaching team and take them forward.'
Review Process and Potential Changes
The RFU issued a statement backing Borthwick after England's loss to Italy and a heartbreaking 48-46 defeat by France, which resulted in their worst Six Nations campaign statistically. Sweeney expressed disappointment, noting, 'No one was more disappointed than we were in the Six Nations. There was a lot of expectation going in, coming off a run which was really strong. That was not how we expected it to go.'
The review, expected to be completed by the end of April, may lead to changes or additions to Borthwick's backroom team. Discussions have included the creation of a general manager role similar to that of South Africa's Rassie Erasmus, allowing Borthwick to focus more on coaching.
Upcoming Challenges and Logistical Issues
England's next assignment includes a daunting match against double world champions South Africa in Johannesburg, followed by games against Fiji and Argentina. The logistical challenges are significant, with Fiji switching their home game to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium for commercial reasons, forcing England into a gruelling travel schedule between hemispheres.
Sweeney acknowledged that expanding the squad beyond 36 players, as per the Professional Game Partnership with Prem Rugby, is not currently possible, complicating team selection for these fixtures.
As the RFU navigates this period of uncertainty, the focus remains on supporting Borthwick and his team through the review, with the aim of improving performance ahead of the summer Tests.
