Steve Borthwick, the head coach of England, is poised to receive a contract extension beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) seeks to eliminate uncertainty regarding his future during the tournament.

Borthwick's current contract is set to expire following the World Cup in Australia next year, marking five years since he took the helm. Despite facing pressure after England's disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year, he retains the RFU's support to lead the team into the World Cup.

Conor O’Shea, performance director, emphasized that a contract extension into 2028 would provide crucial short-term clarity for Borthwick and his coaching staff. He stated, "You don't want them looking for a job going into [a World Cup]. Everyone knows it will be judged on the World Cup, but you can't have a group of coaches going in with that uncertainty, especially when you look at the timing."

This strategy mirrors the approach taken with John Mitchell, Borthwick’s counterpart for the Red Roses, who signed a long-term deal after leading England to World Cup success last year.

Under Borthwick's leadership, England has achieved 28 wins out of 48 matches, including victories against Argentina and Fiji last July, following a heavy loss to South Africa. The team is set to face Australia, New Zealand, and Japan in the Nations Championship in November, leading up to the finals at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

O’Shea expressed confidence in England's potential, stating, "I see in Steve someone who bleeds England, and wants England to succeed more than anything you can imagine. This England team is unequivocally one of probably five teams who can win the World Cup next year. I believe this team can win a World Cup." He affirmed, "If over this next 12 months this England team shows the best version of itself, I know it can beat anyone in the world."