The Latest Breaking News from Conor OShea

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

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 Guardian - UK · Sep 9

England set to offer Steve Borthwick contract extension beyond World Cup

The England head coach’s deal is set to be extended to provide clarity ahead of next year’s tournament

The Independent UK · Sep 9

English second tier gets Champ Rugby rebrand in new 14-club league

English rugby union’s second tier will be rebranded as Champ Rugby from next season in a move designed to raise standards and add greater aspiration and jeopardy for clubs

The Guardian - UK · May 15, 2025

O’Shea faces up to task of resolving structural future for English rugby

Rugby Football Union’s director of performance Conor O’Shea is focused on improving domestic system to provide sustainable pathway

The Guardian - UK · Feb 20, 2024

RFU’s three wise men bear gifts but revamp of English game will not be easy

While trio’s vision appeals to national side and the Premiership there is still work to be done in building trust with Championship sides

The Guardian - UK · Dec 22, 2023

RFU urges Championship clubs to get on board with major revamp of English rugby

Enhanced contracts for England players, a revamped second tier and a cap on Premiership squad sizes are all on the table

The Independent UK · Dec 21, 2023

England player welfare at heart of RFU’s enhanced ‘hybrid’ contract plan

Deals will be offered to up to 25 England internationals from next season with Owen Farrell likely to be among them despite missing the Six Nations

The Guardian - UK · Dec 21, 2023

England to improve mental health support after Owen Farrell takes Test break

Farrell made the shock decision weeks after leading England to a third-place finish at the World Cup, during which he was regularly booed by fans.

The Independent UK · Dec 21, 2023

England need spirit of 2003 to repeat feat of rugby world domination

Lawrence Dallaglio and Martin Johnson look, 20 years on, at the World Cup win and steps the current squad must take

Evening Standard · Nov 22, 2023

Steve Borthwick aims to forge links with Premiership to boost England talent

Steve Borthwick is aiming to develop a new relationship with top-level clubs that he believes will help England get back on top of the Six Nations

The Guardian - UK · Mar 19, 2023