RFU World Cup: England Appoints Steve Borthwick As New Head Coach

Steve Borthwick has been appointed as the new head coach for England’s rugby team.

Naija News understands that Borthwick’s appointment is coming months into the Rugby World Cup 2023.

The former England international player replaced former manager Eddie Jones, and his contract is billed to last for five years.

Reports said Borthwick would be joined in the managerial role by Kevin Sinfield, the rugby league legend who he worked with at Leicester Tigers, as England’s new defence coach.

Borthwick had worked under Jones as assistant coach of Japan before joining him as forwards coach with England for five years, though he left the Rugby Football Union (RFU) set-up in 2020 to take his first head coach role with Leicester, Naija News understands.

England terminated its contract with Jones on December 6 after seven years in charge.

43-year-old Borthwick picked up 57 Test caps as a player with England between 2001 and 2010, and captained his country, transformed the Tigers from a side which finished second-bottom of the Premiership in 2020 to title winners last season, beating Saracens in the final at Twickenham.

The RFU is said to have agreed on a compensation figure with Leicester for an early release, while Borthwick guided the Tigers to Heineken Champions Cup victories against the Ospreys and Clermont Auvergne over the last week.

“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed England head coach, and I am very excited by the challenge,” said Borthwick.

Meanwhile, the next Rugby World Cup in France is just nine months away, Naija News reports.