Rugby Union Apr 18, 2026

Steve Borthwick: England head coach given no guarantees over his job as RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney denies Andy Farrell contact

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Steve Borthwick: England head coach given no guarantees over his job as RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney denies Andy Farrell contact

Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney has suggested Steve Borthwick will have the summer to inspire a response to England's worst ever Six Nations. 

England finished fifth in the tournament after four straight defeats and are now gearing up to take on South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July.

A review of England's display by an anonymous panel is currently taking place with Sweeney indicating that Borthwick, whose current deal expires in 2027, will be given more time.

"There is a lot of noise out there," Sweeney said. "You've got to take emotion out of the equation. You just look at it purely in terms of: What was the performance? What were the issues? Why did they arise? And how do we fix them?

"I see the outcome being for us to make sure we have got the right support mechanisms in place to address them and support Steve to get that right going forward.

"We're in the middle of the review, so it wouldn't be appropriate to start talking about that (Borthwick's future) right now, but we'll get to the bottom of all of them."

England had been riding a 12-match winning run under Borthwick before suffering a shock defeat to Scotland in what would spell the start of their Six Nations downfall. The campaign also notably included a first ever defeat to Italy, before they lost 48-46 in a thriller against France.

"We are really focussed on seeing progress again and seeing better and more consistent performances," Sweeney continued. "That is the focus - it's not a set number of wins or a percentage.

"It's about getting back to the way we were playing. Steve talks about playing big. That has been the intention and you saw that against France.

"We still think this is an extremely strong squad that has got the potential and capability to do some really good things."

Sweeney also insisted there has not been any contact with Andy Farrell over the prospect of taking over as head coach beyond next year's World Cup.

Farrell has won two Six Nations titles with Ireland as well as leading the British and Irish Lions to a series victory in Australia.

Like Borthwick, his deal ends following the 2027 World Cup.

"He's under contract to 2027 and the Rugby World Cup," said Sweeney. "We are not in a dialogue. We are not in a discussion with him at present."

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