Amidst a severe financial crisis plaguing the realm of English rugby, there’s a mounting apprehension that Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, may be shielded from dismissal, courtesy of the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) financial constraints that render a substantial severance package unaffordable, irrespective of his team’s on-field performance.
With the commencement of the 2024 Six Nations just around the corner, England is relegated to the position of mere long-shot fourth favourites, at best.
Borthwick, who secured a lucrative five-year contract just last year, is purportedly pocketing a hefty sum north of £700,000 annually.
Now, diverting our gaze to the frontrunners in the bookmakers’ predictions for the potential successor to the seemingly immovable Steve Borthwick:
Who could replace Steve Borthwick at Twickenham?
5. Sir Clive Woodward – 20/1
Woodward is the World Cup winning Head Coach who led England’s rugby players to World Cup glory in Australia in 2003.
A former England International and British & Irish Lion himself, prior to his full time coaching career Clive established a successful business career working for nine years with Xerox in the UK and Australia before establishing his own small finance and leasing company.
During Clive’s tenure as Head Coach England moved from 6th in the world to being the number one ranked team, winning every trophy an England team can win.