Steve Borthwick will lead England into the 2023 Guinness Six Nations after being announced as the new head coach.
The 43-year-old, who made 25 Championship appearances in his playing days, replaces Eddie Jones following the Australian’s dismissal on December 6 and will be joined by assistant Kevin Sinfield.
Borthwick, who has signed a five-year deal, worked under Jones as England’s forwards coach for four years before taking on the role as Leicester Tigers’ head coach ahead of the start of the 2020/21 season.
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.”
Borthwick led Leicester to sixth place and a place in the European Challenge Cup final in his first campaign before ending the East Midlands outfit’s nine-year wait for a Premiership trophy in 2021/22.
He departs Welford Road with the club sat fifth and now switches his attentions back to the international arena, with the Guinness Six Nations the first challenge awaiting him.
England begin their 2023 campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on February 4 as they look to regain the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2020.
Borthwick has plenty of Championship experience as a player – his England debut came in the win over France in their victorious 2001 campaign, while he captained his country in the Six Nations between 2008 and 2010.
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney: “We are delighted to be welcoming Steve back to the RFU. He has been part of the England team for over 15 years and he is our first-choice successor to Eddie.
“Steve and Kevin’s insight and first-hand knowledge of the players will be a great asset and everyone at the RFU is right behind them with our full support.”
