Steve Borthwick will continue leading England into the Rugby World Cup 2027 after the Rugby Football Union backed him following a difficult 2026 Six Nations campaign. The decision gives the head coach greater certainty as he works towards Australia, where England will face Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in Pool F.
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England’s preparations have already entered an important phase. Borthwick is now making decisions about the players who could form his World Cup squad, while the RFU has also been working to provide stability around the coaching group ahead of the tournament. The situation became more significant after England finished fifth in the 2026 Six Nations.
They had entered the championship on a long winning run but suffered four defeats from five matches after opening the campaign with a victory over Wales. A subsequent RFU review identified several areas for improvement, including discipline, execution and decision-making. Despite that disappointing campaign, Borthwick was retained and backed to continue his work towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The RFU said England’s problems were not caused by one single issue and pointed to several interconnected performance areas that needed improvement. The upcoming England Vs Wales fixture will therefore be an important part of a World Cup pool campaign that gives Borthwick another opportunity to assess his squad and tactical plans.
Borthwick Given Stability Ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027
The decision to retain Borthwick provides England with continuity during a crucial period of preparation. The RFU’s review followed England’s difficult Six Nations campaign, but the governing body ultimately decided that changing the head coach so close to the World Cup was not the chosen route.
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RFU performance director Conor O’Shea has also indicated that Borthwick is expected to receive greater contractual certainty beyond the 2027 tournament. The aim is to ensure that the coaching staff are not entering a World Cup while simultaneously dealing with uncertainty over their jobs.
That stability could be important for England because Borthwick has already overseen significant changes since taking charge. The team that will travel to Australia in 2027 is expected to look different from the group that reached the semi-finals in France in 2023.
Borthwick has previously described England as a young team that is still developing. He and captain Maro Itoje have also publicly stated that England’s objective is to compete for the Rugby World Cup title in Australia.
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England’s Squad Picture Continues to Change
Borthwick’s selection decisions during 2026 have provided some clues about how England’s World Cup squad could develop. In August, he announced a 25-player enhanced contract group, with several notable changes from the previous year. Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly were among the players left out of the central-contract group, while Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper and Jack van Poortvliet were among those brought into the group.
Alex Coles and Asher Opoku-Fordjour also received enhanced contracts. The changes do not automatically rule any player out of the Rugby World Cup squad. England will eventually select a larger group for Australia, meaning players outside the enhanced-contract system can still force their way into contention through club and international performances.
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However, the selections do show that competition for places remains intense. Borthwick has continued to examine younger options while retaining a number of experienced players who can provide leadership during the tournament.
The centre position is one example of this changing picture. Seb Atkinson has emerged as an important option, while Fraser Dingwall and other midfield players remain part of the wider competition.
The back three also remain fluid, with England having several players capable of covering wing and fullback positions. That versatility could become particularly valuable during a World Cup, where injuries and tactical changes can quickly alter selection plans. For Borthwick, the months before the tournament will be about turning that competition into a settled group.
Young England Core Could Define Borthwick’s Plans
One of the central themes of Borthwick’s England tenure has been the development of a younger group of players. The head coach has described the side as a team that is still progressing, and several emerging internationals are now competing for regular starting positions.
At the same time, England still have considerable experience within their squad. Maro Itoje remains captain, while players such as George Ford, Henry Slade and other senior internationals can provide knowledge of major tournaments.
Managing the transition between generations will be one of Borthwick’s biggest selection tasks. Some experienced players could be entering the later stages of their international careers by the time the World Cup begins, while younger players will be looking to establish themselves permanently.
The 2027 tournament could therefore represent an important point in England’s development. Borthwick has already had several years to shape the squad, and the World Cup will provide the clearest test of whether that process has produced the depth required at international level. England’s performance in the months before the tournament will help determine which players make the final squad.
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FAQs
1. When is England Vs Wales at Rugby World Cup 2027?
England Vs Wales is scheduled for October 16, 2027, in Sydney, Australia, during the Pool F stage.
2. Which teams are in England’s Rugby World Cup 2027 pool?
England are in Pool F alongside Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe.
3. Will Steve Borthwick coach England at Rugby World Cup 2027?
Yes. The RFU backed Borthwick to continue as England head coach following its review of the 2026 Six Nations campaign.
4. Who will England face before England Vs Wales?
England will begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Brisbane before facing Zimbabwe. They will then meet Wales in Sydney.
5. What is England’s best Rugby World Cup result?
England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and have also reached the final in 1991, 2007 and 2019.