Head coach Steve Borthwick will leave England at the end of his contract
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Steve Borthwick is set to lead England through another Rugby World Cup campaign in 2027, with his current RFU contract running its course after the tournament.
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Sticking with the plan
Despite enduring a tough run of five consecutive defeats prior to the expected win against Japan, sources close to RUCK suggest the RFU are determined to back Borthwick, even under mounting pressure.
It's been a tough run for England, as the Southern Hemisphere's big three – New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa – claiming wins at Allianz Stadium on successive weekends.
The Eddie and Clive effect
The RFU is learning from history, taking cues from the extended tenures of Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward that both ended ugly.
Whatever happens in Australia, whether England experiences glory or disappointment, it's expected that Borthwick will hand over the reins post-2027.
Who's next?
Let's take a look at the frontrunners tipped to step into the head coach role after Borthwick departs.
- Sir Clive Woodward – 40/1
- Phil Dawson – 20/1
- Rob Baxter – 18/1
- Andy Farrell – 15/1
- Michael Cheika – 12/1
- Ronan O'Gara – 10/1
- Stuart Lancaster – 2/1
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England's EIGHT worst players during the Autumn Nations Series
England’s Autumn Nations Series has been one to forget, but at least it ended with a bang as Steve Borthwick's men demolished Eddie Jones' Japan 56-7 at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
The nine-try romp may have snapped a painful five-match losing streak, but it wasn't enough to paper over the cracks of a bruising campaign. Close defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa left fans and pundits unimpressed.
And it seems The Telegraph wasn't holding back, handing out some savage 5/10 ratings to eight players for their efforts across the series. Harsh? You decide.
Fin Baxter
“Could not quite carry over the momentum he established from the New Zealand tour. Possibly suffering from the equivalent of the tricky second album syndrome.”
Theo Dan
“There's a definite spark when he comes off the bench in terms of his ball-carrying but England's set piece does creak with him on the field.”
Dan Cole
“Like a Clint Eastwood Western character keeps postponing retirement for 'one last job'. England's scrum did wobble when he came on, but Borthwick will be desperate for him to stick around.”
George Martin
“Came in this campaign with minimal game time and it showed as he looked to be struggling to last the pace. Uncharacteristically made a few too many missed tackles.”
Nick Isiekwe
“Made very little impression coming on as a replacement aside from one stolen lineout against Japan. A decent performer in the Premiership but England need more dynamism.”
Alex Dombrandt
“Feels a clear area of upgrade for the Six Nations. Made little impression coming off the bench with his static carry and poor ball presentation leading to George Ford's skewed drop goal.”
George Ford
“The missed drop goal was unfortunate and certainly not all his fault so did not deserve to be booed the following week when the crowd thought he was replacing Smith. Will come again.”
Henry Slade
“Some exquisite touches but never truly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. How many times has that been written of Slade? Also appeared to be involved in several defensive doglegs.”
For the full ratings and context, visit The Telegraph website.
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