Steve Borthwick: Contract bump falls short of vote of confidence
England rugby head coach Steve Borthwick has received a contract extension despite a poor 2026 Six Nations performance. Officials stated the extension is intended to provide stability leading up to the 2027 World Cup rather than a vote of confidence.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the tension between short-term performance results and the desire for long-term coaching stability in international sports.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Borthwick came into the England job having previously worked as the national side's forwards coach and then overseen a remarkable turnaround at Leicester Tigers
BBC Sport rugby union news reporter Published 9 September 2026 "Horrendous" is not a word anyone wants to hear in their appraisal.
It was, however, the one chosen by Conor O'Shea, the man responsible for overseeing England's international success, to describe the men's team's 2026 Six Nations campaign.
England won only one match, their worst return since the tournament's expansion a quarter of a century ago. They lacked cohesion, discipline and tactical variety. It prompted profound, widespread questions about the future of head coach Steve Borthwick.
But, O'Shea revealed to Rugby Union Weekly, it has also preceded a contract extension for Borthwick.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in