Eddie Jones has publicly advised the Rugby Football Union (RFU) against dismissing Steve Borthwick as England's head coach ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia. In a recent episode of his Rugby Unity podcast, Jones emphasised that Borthwick is the right leader for the team and deserves backing despite England's disappointing fifth-place finish in the Six Nations.
Borthwick's Coaching Journey and Recent Struggles
Steve Borthwick, a former England captain who previously served as an assistant coach under Eddie Jones with both Japan and England, took over the head coach role nine months before the 2023 World Cup. Under his guidance, England secured a third-place finish in France, building on a run of 12 consecutive wins that included a victory over Wales at the start of the Six Nations. However, the campaign quickly unravelled with four losses, marking the first time England had suffered four defeats in a single Six Nations tournament and including a historic loss to Italy.
Jones's Perspective on RFU Reviews and Support
Jones, now in his second stint as Japan's coach, stressed that any RFU review of the Six Nations performance must be conducted by someone familiar with Borthwick's work and the challenges he faces with selection and personnel. Reflecting on his own experience, Jones noted that past reviews felt futile, as he was already destined to be replaced. He pointed to England's strong finish in the Six Nations, where they scored seven tries in a narrow 48-46 defeat to champions France, as evidence of potential.
Jones asserted, "I think [Borthwick is] the right man to coach England and they should support him through this. Maybe he's got a few things wrong and they'll need to help him rectify those errors, but they'd be foolhardy to change." He added that Borthwick must demonstrate to the RFU an understanding of the tournament's failures and a clear plan for improvement.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Eddie Jones, who coached England after their early exit in the 2015 World Cup and was sacked in late 2022, has a deep connection to the team, having led Australia in the 2003 World Cup final against England. His endorsement of Borthwick comes at a critical time, as England aim to rebuild ahead of the next global tournament. With the RFU likely to assess the team's direction, Jones's comments highlight the importance of stability and experienced leadership in high-stakes rugby.
