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Nick Cain: It was a mistake to extend Steve Borthwick’s England contract before Australia clash

Nick Cain questions the timing of Steve Borthwick’s England contract extension, warning Bill Sweeney’s decision has fuelled discontent ahead of the Australia clash.

By Nick Cain · The Rugby Paper

Published: Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 3:59 AM

Key Things to Know

Nick Cain argues that extending Steve Borthwick's contract before the Australia clash was a major mistake.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney extended head coach Steve Borthwick's contract through midway into 2028.
The writer claims Sweeney's move created unnecessary distractions and political tension instead of providing stability.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Columnist Nick Cain argues that Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney made a severe error by announcing a contract extension for England head coach Steve Borthwick until mid-2028. Cain believes the announcement came at the worst possible moment, arriving just before England's opening Nations Championship encounter against Australia.

According to Cain, Sweeney's intention to provide stability instead backfired by sparking discontent and entangling the squad in unwanted succession politics. The writer contends that this timing created unnecessary distractions for the team when total focus was required to defeat Australia.

Read the full article on The Rugby Paper

Nick Cain: It was a mistake to extend Steve Borthwick’s England contract before Australia clash

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