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Steve Borthwick contract extended to 2028 as RFU backs England coach

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said Borthwick will stay in charge whatever happens this autumn, with England hosting Australia on Sunday 8 November.

By RuckBee Newsroom1 min read
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The RFU has given Steve Borthwick a vote of confidence that does not depend on this month's results, extending his contract and those of the England coaching staff to the middle of 2028.

Chief executive Bill Sweeney said Borthwick would remain in charge whatever the outcome of the autumn, and that he could not see a scenario in which the coach was replaced. "We’re committed to Steve, we’ve extended his contract to the middle of 2028."

Discipline was a focus of the review. England have been shown 14 yellow cards and one red card in 2026.

Australia first

The next test comes on Sunday 8 November, when England host Australia. They then face Japan, New Zealand and a rankings opponent on the Nations Championship finals weekend.

England may have fly-half Fin Smith for the Australia game. He came through training on Wednesday 4 November, and Richard Wigglesworth said: "Fin trained today and got through all right so we are cautiously optimistic that he's available for selection"

Sources

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