RFU chief Bill Sweeney says Steve Borthwick will lead England to next year's World Cup, even if the autumn Nations Championship goes badly.
Steve Borthwick has the full backing of the Rugby Football Union. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has made it clear that the England head coach will take charge at next year's World Cup, whatever happens in this autumn's Nations Championship.
The message follows September's decision to extend Borthwick's contract until the end of the 2028 Six Nations. That deal came despite England's worst Six Nations campaign this year, and the union said it wanted to head off speculation about his future in the buildup to the global tournament.
The pressure has not gone away. England have lost five of their last seven matches, and every result this autumn will be examined closely. Sweeney's public show of faith suggests the RFU is prepared to ride out the poor form rather than change direction before the World Cup.
There is some good news for Borthwick. Fly-half Fin Smith is back in training, a timely boost for a side that needs direction and sharpness in the playmaking department. How quickly he regains match fitness could shape England's autumn and their hopes of rebuilding confidence before the World Cup.
