Steve Borthwick’s tenure as England head coach, now spanning nearly four years, remains defined by a complex array of contradictions as the team looks toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. While he is often portrayed through a robotic, data-driven lens, those who have worked alongside him note a more nuanced figure—one capable of deep compassion, such as when he supported captains Jamie George and Maro Itoje during their respective bereavements or surprised his 2023 World Cup squad by inviting their families to training. Even a touch of merriment if we were lucky, mince pies and mulled wine. But the mind goes back to one year when he did not, eddie Jones would sometimes make an appearance. But one of the more clear-eyed RFU employees, who had long-since figured out that the then forwards coach was destined for the top job, did their utmost to involve him, he would probably rather have been anywhere else. Alas, Borthwick soon had a long-distance train to catch and hours of in-depth analysis on a laptop ahead of him. That anecdote feeds a narrative about England’s head coach.
Statistically, Borthwick’s record of 28 victories from 48 matches—a 58% win rate—sits marginally behind that of his predecessor, Stuart Lancaster. This tenure has been marked by extremes: historic home defeats to France, Fiji, and Italy, yet also a recent 12-match winning streak. Despite these highs, the team has struggled to secure a definitive statement victory on foreign soil, leaving observers questioning whether England has progressed since the final stages of the Eddie Jones era.
Borthwick’s appointment in December 2022 occurred nine months ahead of schedule, placing him in an immediate, high-pressure environment. Although he led England to a third-place finish in the 2023 World Cup, he notably admitted shortly after taking the reins that his squad “were not good at anything.” While some players, such as the enthusiastic Jonny May, have praised him as a genius—likening his analytical mind to Alan Turing—others, including South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus, have characterized him as a coach who “thinks like a machine” and “chases trends.”
The team’s identity remains under scrutiny. In the 2024 Six Nations, Borthwick expressed frustration that his side had “played small” under the weight of the jersey, while Itoje lamented a style of “tip-tap, hot-potato rugby.” Following the departures of key staff members Aled Walters and Felix Jones in the summer of 2024, the team faced a demoralizing start to the autumn schedule with three consecutive losses. The pressure intensified during this period, though Borthwick maintained his position despite uncertainty from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) leadership, led by CEO Bill Sweeney. I t was not so long ago that the Rugby Football Union would host an annual Christmas bash. Executives, head coaches, assistants, members of staff and an invitation to the press pack.
A turning point appeared during the 2025 Six Nations, where a home victory over France served as a catalyst for a 12-match winning run. This period included a dominant 68-14 triumph, which, according to optimistic projections from players, positioned England among the favorites for the 2027 World Cup. However, this success was largely attributed to a tactical advantage regarding aerial contest laws; as soon as international rivals adapted to these rule changes, England’s momentum stalled, resulting in four subsequent losses.
Despite the recent administrative and performance-related turbulence, RFU official Conor O’Shea has dismissed the possibility of Borthwick being dismissed before the next World Cup. However, critics suggest such assurances underestimate the influence of the fanbase, whose mounting disapproval previously influenced the end of the Eddie Jones regime. The team’s future performance in upcoming matches will be critical for Borthwick as he seeks to solidify a clear, consistent identity for the squad.
Ultimately, England’s recent trajectory—marked by flashes of brilliance followed by substandard play—has left fans and pundits unsure of the team’s true standing. For Borthwick, the next 12 months are vital; he must bridge the gap between his analytical approach and the high-stakes performance requirements on the pitch if he is to secure public confidence before the tournament begins.
