Quick Answer: Steve Borthwick is the head coach of the England men’s rugby team, a role he has held since December 2022. A former England captain and lock who won 57 caps, Borthwick previously coached Leicester Tigers to a Premiership title before guiding England to third place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Steve Borthwick is one of the most talked-about figures in English rugby today. As the man in charge of the national side, every decision he makes is picked apart by fans, pundits, and players alike. Therefore, understanding his background helps explain why the Rugby Football Union (RFU) continues to back him heading into Rugby World Cup 2027.
This article covers everything you need to know about Steve Borthwick. You will learn about his playing days, his rise through the coaching ranks, his record with England, and what lies ahead for him and the team. We will also look at recent results, including the tough 2026 Six Nations campaign.
By the end, you will have a clear, accurate picture of who Steve Borthwick is and why he matters to English rugby.
Who Is Steve Borthwick?
Steve Borthwick, full name Stephen William Borthwick, is an English rugby union coach. He currently serves as head coach of the England national rugby team, a position he has held since December 2022.
Before coaching, Borthwick had a long playing career. As a result, he understands the pressures international players face better than most coaches in the game.
Here are some quick facts about Steve Borthwick:
- Full name: Stephen William Borthwick
- Born: October 12, 1979, in Carlisle, England
- Playing position: Lock (second row)
- England caps: 57, including 21 as captain
- Current role: England head coach (since December 2022)
- Previous coaching role: Head coach, Leicester Tigers
- Education: University of Bath (Economics with Politics)
Early Life and Playing Career
Borthwick grew up in Carlisle and attended Hutton Grammar School before playing for Preston Grasshoppers. He joined Bath in 1998, launching a professional career that would span 16 years.
His best individual season came in 2003–04, when injuries to senior players due to that year’s Rugby World Cup opened the door for him. He made the most of it. However, the bigger milestone came later.
In 2008, Borthwick captained Bath to victory in the European Challenge Cup final. That same year, he moved to Saracens and was handed the England captaincy. He led his country 21 times, a total that ties him for seventh on the all-time list.
Borthwick’s playing career included:
- 57 England caps between 2001 and 2010
- A Premiership title with Saracens in 2011
- A reputation as one of the most-capped forwards in Premiership history
- Retirement from playing in 2014
From Player to Coach
Borthwick began preparing for coaching while he was still playing, taking a role in the Saracens academy in 2012. Furthermore, he studied coaching at the University of Hertfordshire during this period.
His first major break came alongside Eddie Jones, coaching forwards for Japan through the 2015 Rugby World Cup. That tournament is remembered for Japan’s shock win over South Africa, and Borthwick’s forward-play input was part of that success story.
After a short spell at Bristol, he returned to the England setup. In December 2015, he was named England’s forwards coach under Eddie Jones. During his five years in that role, England won two Six Nations titles, including the 2016 Grand Slam.
Steve Borthwick at Leicester Tigers
In 2020, Borthwick left England duty to become head coach of Leicester Tigers. It was his first head-coaching job, and it did not take long for results to follow.
His first season delivered a European Challenge Cup final appearance. Then, in the 2021–22 season, he led Leicester to their first Premiership title in nine years.
Borthwick’s Leicester Tigers highlights:
| Season | Achievement |
| 2020–21 | European Challenge Cup finalist |
| 2021–22 | Premiership Rugby champions |
| Overall | 69.57% win rate in Premiership and European games |
That success made Borthwick the standout candidate when England needed a new head coach at the end of 2022.
Becoming England Head Coach
The RFU appointed Steve Borthwick as England head coach on December 19, 2022, replacing Eddie Jones. He signed a five-year contract, taking over just nine months before the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
His first Six Nations in charge, in 2023, ended in third place. England beat Italy, Wales, and Ireland but lost to Scotland and suffered a heavy defeat to France.
The bigger test came at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. As a result of strong pool-stage form and knockout wins over Fiji and France, England reached the semi-finals. They lost narrowly to eventual champions South Africa before beating Argentina in the bronze final, securing third place overall — England’s best World Cup finish since 2015.
Steve Borthwick’s Coaching Record
Numbers tell part of the story of any head coach’s tenure. Here is where Steve Borthwick’s England record stood as of May 2026:
- Games in charge: 42
- Wins: 26
- Win percentage: 61.9%
- Best result: Third place, 2023 Rugby World Cup
- Toughest year: 2026 Six Nations, fifth-place finish
Therefore, while his overall win rate remains solid, recent form has raised questions among fans and pundits about consistency.
The 2026 Six Nations and RFU Review
England entered the 2026 Six Nations on an 11-match winning run. However, the tournament did not go to plan. After an opening win over Wales, England lost four straight matches.
This run included a first-ever defeat to Italy and a record home loss to Ireland. Consequently, England finished fifth in the table — their worst Six Nations result on record.
The RFU launched a formal review into the campaign. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said the review found that England’s issues came from several connected areas rather than one single problem, and confirmed the union’s continued support for Borthwick going forward.
Despite the poor tournament, the RFU chose to back Borthwick and his coaching staff to continue toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
What’s Next for Steve Borthwick?
With RFU backing secured, Borthwick’s immediate focus shifts to the inaugural Nations Championship. In July 2026, England travel to face South Africa and Argentina, with a match against Fiji played in Liverpool.
In November 2026, England will host Australia, Japan, and New Zealand at Twickenham, with the Nations Championship playoffs and final also taking place there.
Looking further ahead, the 2027 Rugby World Cup runs from October 1 to November 13, 2027, in Australia. This tournament is expected to define Borthwick’s legacy as England head coach.
FAQ
Who is Steve Borthwick?
Steve Borthwick is an English rugby coach and former player who has served as England’s head coach since December 2022.
What is Steve Borthwick’s win rate as England head coach?
As of May 2026, Borthwick had won 26 of 42 matches in charge of England, a win rate of 61.9%.
Did Steve Borthwick play for England?
Yes. Borthwick won 57 caps for England as a lock between 2001 and 2010, including 21 as captain.
What did Steve Borthwick achieve at Leicester Tigers?
He led Leicester Tigers to the 2021–22 Premiership title and a European Challenge Cup final the season before.
Will Steve Borthwick remain England head coach after the 2026 Six Nations?
Yes. The RFU confirmed in May 2026 that Borthwick will continue as head coach through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
What was Steve Borthwick’s best result with England?
Reaching the semi-finals and finishing third at the 2023 Rugby World Cup is widely seen as his standout achievement so far.
Conclusion
Steve Borthwick has followed an unusual path from England captain to England head coach. Along the way, he built a title-winning record at Leicester Tigers and guided the national team to a World Cup semi-final.
However, 2026 has tested that progress, with a difficult Six Nations campaign prompting a full RFU review. Despite this, the union’s backing means Steve Borthwick will lead England into the Nations Championship and, ultimately, the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Want more England rugby analysis and coaching breakdowns? to stay updated on Steve Borthwick and the squad’s road to 2027.
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