Steve Borthwick's exit date as England head coach revealed
11/20/2024 03:57 PM
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, 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 – have now claimed wins at Allianz Stadium on successive weekends.
The hosts will hope to bounce back when they face Japan, who were thrashed 52-12 by France last weekend, but questions over their progress under Borthwick continue to swirl.
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The Eddie and Clive effect
The RFU is learning from history, taking cues from the extended tenures of Eddie Jones and Sir Clive Woodward.
Whatever happens in Australia, whether England experiences glory or disappointment, it's widely 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
Jonny Wilkinson's Top 3 Stadiums with the Best Atmosphere (and No, Twickenham Didn't Make It)
Jonny Wilkinson, a Premiership legend who racked up an incredible 2,049 points with Newcastle Falcons (1997-2009), surprised fans with his picks for stadiums that delivered the best atmosphere. Twickenham?
Not there. Even Kingston Park, his old Newcastle haunt, didn't get a look-in. Here’s what made the cut from a Q&A in 2017.
#3. The French Fortress – Stade de France (France)
Located in Saint-Denis, the Stade de France has its quirks (being a bit out of the way, for one), but when it comes to atmosphere, it doesn't disappoint. Les Bleus fans can lift the roof when France are flying, but even opposition teams get inspired when the energy turns.
Wilkinson summed it up: "Whenever I played there on every occasion, the atmosphere was fantastic."
Capacity: 80,698
#2. The Welsh Cauldron – Principality Stadium (Wales)
It might have replaced the famous Cardiff Arms Park, but everything about this venue is top-notch (well, except for the dodgy turf issues when the roof stays shut too long). The Welsh fans bring unrivaled passion and rugby know-how.
Wilkinson gushed: "I always felt Cardiff was an incredible stadium because of the passion and the knowledge the Wales fans have. I also won a Heineken Cup there, which I’ll never forget."
Capacity: 74,500
#1. The Aussie Amphitheatre – Stadium Australia (Australia)
Stadium Australia (formerly ANZ Stadium) is a giant, seating up to 84,000 fans, and it knows how to put on a show. It hosted seven Rugby World Cup games in 2003, including that heart-stopping final where Wilkinson's drop goal sealed England’s victory. Electric is an understatement.
Wilkinson recalled: "The best atmosphere I ever played in wearing an England shirt was in Australia for that Rugby World Cup final. It was electric."
Capacity: 84,000
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