Opinion
The Rugby Football Union has finally announced the new head coach of the England men’s team. Taking over from Eddie Jones who was dismissed earlier this month, Steve Borthwick will step into the head coaching position.
A former captain for England, his appointment didn’t come as a surprise having previously worked as a forwards coach alongside Jones at England from 2015-2020.
Signing a five-year contract, his full focus will be on the upcoming Guinness Six Nations tournament and the 2023 World Cup.
His coaching resume includes coaching the British and Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2017, being an assistant coach under Jones for Japan from 2012-2015 and coaching Leicester Tigers in the top division of England rugby.
While at the Leicester Tigers he led the club to win the 2021-22 premiership title and was recognised as having the club’s best winning run for 25 years.
“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed England head coach, and I am very excited by the challenge,” Borthwick said.
“The English game is full of talent and I want to build a winning team which makes the most of our huge potential and inspires young people to fall in love with rugby union the way I did.”
“I want the whole country to be proud of us and to enjoy watching us play.”
Beginning his career at Preston Grasshoppers, he played 57 Tests for England at the lock position from 2001-2010. During this time he captained England 21 different times. At the club level, he appeared in 246 games for Bath and 144 games for Saracens between 1998-2014.
Borthwick isn’t the only major coaching decision England made today. Former England rugby league international Kevin Sinfield will step in as the new defence coach. Despite never playing rugby union at a high level, he has had a storied sporting career.
Sinfield led the Leeds Rhinos to seven Super League titles, captained 26 games for England, and holds the current record for most points in Super League history. Having previously worked under Borthwick at the Leicester Tigers, he will fit perfectly into the coaching role. He will offer experience, leadership and a different perspective to the team.
“It is a special moment to join England as a coach. I know what representing your country means and to get the chance to do it as a coach is a real honour,” Sinfield said.
“There is so much player talent in England and I am really looking forward to working with the wider squad of players to see what we can achieve together, especially with such a massive year ahead of us.”
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