Steve Borthwick will be handed an England contract extension through to the end of the 2028 Six Nations, according to the Rugby Football Union, giving the governing body time to identify a successor if the team struggles at the upcoming World Cup. RFU performance director Conor O’Shea confirmed the decision, stating the move aims to eliminate ongoing employment uncertainty for the coaching staff ahead of the global tournament in Australia.
RFU Secures Borthwick Through 2028 Six Nations
Borthwick’s current deal was set to expire following next year’s World Cup. According to O’Shea, extending the head coach’s tenure past the 2028 Six Nations provides necessary stability while acknowledging that his long-term future remains tied to results in Australia. “You don’t want them looking for a job going into [a World Cup],” O’Shea said. “Everyone knows it will be judged on the World Cup, but you can’t have a group of coaches going in with that uncertainty.”
Despite the extension, the RFU has stopped short of offering Borthwick the long-term security granted to other international coaches. Ireland notably signed Andy Farrell to a contract running through 2031. Borthwick enters the pre-World Cup cycle under renewed scrutiny following England’s difficult Six Nations campaign earlier this year, where RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney nevertheless maintained his support for the head coach.
Lloyds Bank Deal Brings Front-of-Shirt Rivalry to Kit
In commercial developments, the RFU announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Lloyds Bank worth an estimated £5m annually. According to source reporting, the partnership will place the Lloyds black horse logo on the back of men’s and women’s playing jerseys and training jackets for the first time. The agreement runs alongside the existing front-of-shirt O2 sponsorship and Castore kit deal.
Sweeney claimed the arrangement gives the union the largest sponsorship revenue in world rugby. However, tournament regulations prohibit commercial sponsor logos on kits during the World Cup next year. The new revenue stream arrives as the RFU projects an eight-figure financial loss of £10m for the fiscal year ending 2026, driven partly by England’s poor performance in the Six Nations.
Northampton Nears New Deal with Henry Pollock
In Premiership club news, England flanker Henry Pollock is nearing a contract extension with Northampton valued at more than £400,000. The 21-year-old’s agent, Eddie Hearn, had publicly suggested the player’s value approached £1m annually. Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson insisted that a compromise was necessary, resulting in a deal that roughly triples the player’s salary while keeping him with his 13 England caps intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Steve Borthwick’s new England contract?
Steve Borthwick’s contract has been extended through the conclusion of the 2028 Six Nations, according to RFU performance director Conor O’Shea.
What is the value of the new Lloyds Bank RFU partnership?
The multi-year sponsorship deal with Lloyds Bank is valued at approximately £5m per year, featuring the bank’s logo on the back of men’s and women’s team jerseys.
Why is the RFU projecting a financial loss?
The RFU informed member clubs that England’s dismal performance during the Six Nations contributed significantly to a forecasted £10m loss for the financial year ending 2026.
Stay Updated on Rugby Union
Want more expert analysis on England rugby, player transfers, and international fixtures? Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates directly in your inbox, and join the conversation in the comments below.
Related reading