There has been a mixed reaction on social media after Borthwick penned a five-year deal to become the Red Rose new boss
Rugby fans have displayed a mixed reaction to the confirmation of Steve Borthwick as England’s head coach.
The 43-year-old’s five-year contract will see him guide England through the 2023 and 2027 Rugby World Cup’s.
Borthwick started his playing career at Preston Grasshoppers, he represented England Schools, Colts U21 and Saxons. He played lock in 57 Tests for England from 2001-2010 and captained the side 21 times. He played Premiership rugby for ten years at Bath and six years at Saracens; captained both teams and became a Premiership winner in 2011 making 265 Premiership appearances, a record at the time.
His coaching career has included positions with Saracens and Leicester Tigers, where he led the team to winning the 2021-22 Premiership title. He was also recognised as the season’s Director of Rugby, having spearheaded the club’s best winning run for 25 years.
In his international coaching career, Borthwick worked as forwards coach in two Rugby World Cup cycles alongside Eddie Jones for Japan from 2012 to 2015 and for England between 2015 and 2020, with England reaching the final at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He also coached on the British and Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2017 which saw the side draw the Test series against the All Blacks.
Borthwick said:
“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed England head coach, and I am very excited by the challenge.
“The English game is full of talent and I want to build a winning team which makes the most of our huge potential and inspires young people to fall in love with rugby union the way I did. I want the whole country to be proud of us and to enjoy watching us play.
“The hard work starts now and planning for the Guinness Six Nations and Rugby World Cup begins today. I will give it everything.”
Social media reaction:
Reacting to the appointment, one fan wrote: “I’m so excited by the appointment of Steve Borthwick as England Head Coach. With 12 months to go before the World Cup, the RFU have shown they were proactive with the sacking of Eddie Jones and puts the FA to shame for continuing with useless Southgate”
Another wrote: “Give it two months until the “England die hard fans” are calling borthwicks tactics. He will get results but it won’t be running fluid rugby, watched it for 3 years at tigers. Unbelievable coach but the older generation who hate kicking will slate him.”
A third commented: “Talk about a no-brainer. The easiest of decisions for the RFU.”
Another said: “Steve Borthwick. Underwhelming for me and seems like a very safe play.”
A fifth wrote: “Inept management at Twickenham has resulted in significant disruption to Leicester mid season. Whilst we all wish Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield well in their England venture we should also insist on a review of the handling of this debacle at RFU HQ”
JOIN THE RUCK:
EDITORS PICKS:
- Leicester Tigers confirm Steve Borthwick replacement
- 8 facts you might not know about England head coach Steve Borthwick
- How to watch the Doddie Weir memorial service today
- Fans concerned about Courtney Lawes future following latest interview
- Finn Russell responds to haters with incredible body transformation
8 facts you might not know about England head coach Steve Borthwick
#1. Early life
Born in Carlisle, Cumbria, Borthwick was captain of the Hutton Grammar School rugby team in Lancashire, with whom he went on a tour to Australia.
#2. Playing career
He began his rugby career at Preston Grasshoppers before joining Bath in 1998 and went on to make more than 240 appearances in a decade there.
In 2008, after 10 seasons at Bath, he joined Saracens and made more than 140 appearances there in six seasons, winning a Premiership title in 2011.
No forward has made more Premiership appearances than his haul of 265.