England head coach Steve Borthwick has been granted a contract extension by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) until after the 2028 Six Nations. This move is intended to prevent uncertainty as England approaches next year's World Cup, but it does not represent a long-term commitment to Borthwick.
Conor O’Shea, the RFU’s director of performance, has stated that Borthwick's future beyond the upcoming World Cup in Australia hinges on England's performance. O'Shea emphasised the need for certainty for the coaching staff, noting, “Everyone knows it will be judged on the World Cup, but you can’t have a group of coaches going in with that uncertainty.”
In other news, the RFU has announced a new sponsorship agreement with Lloyds Bank, which will see the Lloyds logo featured on the back of England jerseys for the first time. This deal is reportedly worth £5m annually and will be visible during the Nations Championship this autumn, though not during the World Cup next year due to tournament rules. The RFU is aiming to diversify its revenue streams, with the union expecting a £10m loss for the financial year ending 2026.
Meanwhile, England flanker Henry Pollock is close to finalising a new deal with Northampton, which is believed to be worth more than £400,000. This agreement would reportedly triple the 21-year-old's salary, ending speculation about his future.