Andy Farrell is not in discussions with the Rugby Football Union over England’s coaching future, according to RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney. Speaking candidly about succession planning beyond the 2027 World Cup, Sweeney made clear that no dialogue with the Ireland head coach has taken place — and that Steve Borthwick remains the man in charge for now.
Andy Farrell Talks With RFU? Not Happening, Says Sweeney
Sweeney was blunt on the subject. “He’s under contract to the 2027 World Cup,” he said of Farrell. “We’re not in a dialogue. We’re not in a discussion with him at the present.” That said, the speculation is understandable. Farrell, who led last year’s British and Irish Lions tour, would be the standout candidate to take the Twickenham reins should the RFU or Borthwick decide a change is necessary after Australia 2027. Farrell himself confirmed post-Six Nations that extension talks with the Irish Rugby Football Union would begin shortly — so the timeline is very much in play.
Meanwhile, Borthwick is fighting to keep his own grip on the job. England’s Six Nations campaign was nothing short of a horror show — four successive defeats and a fifth-place finish, the worst performance in the tournament’s history. However, a gutsy closing display against France has given Sweeney enough reason to back his man into the summer.
Borthwick’s Lifeline: South Africa, Fiji and Argentina Await
The RFU are handing Borthwick the July tour — against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina — as a chance to prove he can turn the tide. Deliver a satisfactory return, and he sees out his contract through to Australia 2027. Simple as that. Consequently, the pressure heading into that tour couldn’t be higher.
A review of England’s Six Nations implosion is underway and due to wrap up by the end of next month. An anonymous panel — involving Sweeney, director of performance rugby Conor O’Shea and non-executive director Ben Kay — is gathering views from players and Borthwick’s assistant coaches. The central question is stark: how did the same squad that romped to a 12th consecutive victory against Wales in round one then collapse so spectacularly?
Sweeney, though, is urging calm. “You’ve got to take emotion out of the equation,” he said. “You just look at it purely in terms of: What was the performance? What were the issues? Why did they arise? And how do we fix them?” He pointed to England’s performance against France as evidence the squad still has genuine quality, adding: “We still think this is an extremely strong squad that has got the potential and capability to do some really good things.”
The Bigger Picture at Twickenham
Ultimately, the RFU’s focus is on consistency rather than a specific win target. Sweeney stressed the goal is getting back to “playing big” — Borthwick’s own phrase — and building a platform for World Cup contention in 2027. Whether Borthwick survives long enough to lead England there remains the defining question hanging over Twickenham.