RFU backs Borthwick for World Cup regardless of England’s autumn results
Original report:
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney says Steve Borthwick will retain support heading into next year’s World Cup, despite England’s recent struggles. Fly-half Fin Smith has also returned to training, raising hopes he could face Australia after a calf injury.
Steve Borthwick has received firm RFU support to lead England into next year’s World Cup, with chief executive Bill Sweeney saying he could not envisage replacing him regardless of this autumn’s results. England have lost five of their past seven matches. Sweeney said September’s contract extension was intended to remove uncertainty and keep the coaching team focused on tournament preparations.
England’s autumn schedule includes Australia, Japan and New Zealand, followed by a Nations Championship rankings match. Fin Smith completed Wednesday’s training after a calf injury, improving his prospects of facing Australia. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth said selection remained dependent on his recovery and further training.
The assurance marks a shift from the RFU’s conditional backing after England’s first defeat by Italy in March, when it demanded summer improvements. Discipline remains an unresolved issue identified by the post-Six Nations review: England have received 14 yellow cards and one red in 2026, according to the report.
Source
the Guardian — 4 November 2026
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