England Rugby Delay Borthwick Contract Extension Despite Historic Winning Streak

England head coach Steve Borthwick will not receive a contract extension in the near future despite guiding the team to an 11-Test winning streak, including landmark victories over France and New Zealand, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed.

The impressive run, which featured England's first autumn series clean sweep since 2021, marks a dramatic turnaround from their seven consecutive losses against tier-one opponents in 2024. The team now enters the 2026 Six Nations as strong title contenders.

However, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney told Sky Sports News that discussions about Borthwick's future beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup are "premature." This contrasts with the RFU's approach under former coach Eddie Jones, who secured an extension at a similar stage in 2018.

"We haven't had those conversations yet and aren't planning to in the foreseeable future," Sweeney stated. "We're delighted with the squad depth and playing style he's developing. There's no reason for him to think 2027 is the end."

Stadium Plans and Financial Update

The RFU also revealed plans to boost revenue by hosting up to 15 non-rugby events annually at Twickenham, pending approval from Richmond Council. A £650m stadium redevelopment proposal will be submitted in May 2026.

• Financial improvement: The RFU reported a reduced net loss of £1.9m for 2024-25, a significant recovery from £42m in 2023-24.
• Revenue growth: Total earnings rose to £228m, the second-highest in RFU history after 2015-16.

Sweeney emphasized that alternative venues, including Wembley and Birmingham City Stadium, are being considered if Twickenham's expansion plans face obstacles.

As England prepares for the Six Nations, Borthwick’s focus remains on sustaining the team's momentum—even as his long-term future remains unresolved.