Steve Borthwick

Reports said the RFU was set to extend Borthwick's contract beyond the 2028 Six Nations to avoid uncertainty about his position before and during the 2027 World Cup. The reports suggested the move was intended to give stability to the England setup ahead of the tournament.

England extended their losing run to five consecutive Test defeats, increasing pressure on Borthwick. Sources close to the RFU indicated he was still expected to remain in charge through the 2027 Rugby World Cup, though a further extension was considered unlikely at that stage.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said Borthwick would not be given guarantees about his future after England's worst-ever Six Nations campaign. The union began a review of the team's performance, and Sweeney denied any contact with Andy Farrell about succeeding Borthwick when both contracts end after the 2027 World Cup.

England lost 48-46 to France in their final Six Nations match at the Stade de France, with France's Thomas Ramos kicking the decisive conversion in the final play. The result meant England finished the 2026 championship with a painful defeat after a campaign that also included a first-ever loss to Italy. Borthwick said the disappointment would help the squad grow.