England to extend Borthwick contract as Pollock closes on £400,000 Northampton deal

Steve Borthwick’s future as head coach is dependent on how England perform at the World Cup in Australia. Photograph: Gregorio Borgia/AP

Steve Borthwick will be handed a contract extension until after the 2028 Six Nations, giving the Rugby Football Union time to identify his successor if England flop at the World Cup next year.

The RFU’s move is designed to avoid uncertainty heading into the tournament but stops short of backing Borthwick in the long-term.