Surprise new frontrunner to replace Steve Borthwick – and his exit date is already set

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The RFU aren't making the same mistake twice—or in this case, three times. Steve Borthwick remains contracted through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and while results have been rocky, England's bosses are backing him to finish the job. But crucially, there's no talk of an extension.

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They've learned their lessons.

Eddie Jones stayed too long. So did Sir Clive Woodward. Both reigns unravelled in their final years. Now, with Borthwick, the RFU are taking a different approach: back him, but don't overcommit.

It hasn't always been smooth sailing. A dull World Cup run. Second-half collapses. Three home defeats to southern hemisphere giants. But this year's Six Nations offered hope.

They stunned France, edged past Scotland, and found form against Italy and Wales. The back row is firing, and while midfield remains a question mark, England finally look like a side building toward something.

The plan? Stay the course through 2027, then part ways—cleanly. No chaos, no panic.

For the first time in a while, there's a clear structure off the pitch to match the one Borthwick's trying to build on it.

We've rounded up the leading contenders to take the reins from Borthwick in 2027.

Contenders to Replace Borthwick – Ranked from Long Shots to Favourites

Sir Clive Woodward – 40/1

The king of 2003 . Woodward's still revered for leading England to their only Rugby World Cup win. But in the coaching game, he’s been out of the loop since 2005. Still, never say never—his name never quite disappears from the conversation. A nostalgia pick, perhaps?

Phil Dowson – 20/1

The quiet revolution at Northampton . Dowson has transformed Saints into a promising side full of energy and ideas. Once a no-nonsense back-rower, he's now putting the same work ethic into coaching. Will his steady hand guide England in 2027?

Rob Baxter – 18/1

The Exeter wizard . Baxter has taken the Chiefs from underdogs to European kings. His long commitment to Exeter might be his greatest strength—but could the call of the national job be too hard to ignore when 2027 rolls around?

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