RFU Back Borthwick to See Out England Contract Whatever Autumn Brings

Steve Borthwick enters England's autumn campaign with the full backing of the Rugby Football Union, which has said he will see out his contract whatever the results between now and the World Cup. The RFU confirmed Borthwick's deal runs until the middle of 2028, an extension agreed two months ago despite England's worst Six Nations performance in their history earlier this year. The message is a clear attempt to remove uncertainty before a demanding month. England open their Nations Championship campaign against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, before facing Japan and New Zealand and then taking part in finals weekend at Twickenham from November 27 to 29. Victories over Fiji and Argentina on the July tour, after an opening loss to South Africa, had already eased some of the pressure on the head coach. Ticket sales for the finals Friday have reportedly been sluggish, though weekend uptake is more encouraging, and the RFU's stance suggests it is judging Borthwick on a longer arc than one autumn. For a coach preparing a team amid injury disruption, including the loss of Alex Mitchell for the entire campaign, public backing from above is valuable currency. Now the results must follow, starting against the Wallabies on Sunday.