Eddie Jones gives ‘drums starting to beat’ verdict on Steve Borthwick’s future as he opposes ‘foolhardy’ change

Japan boss Eddie Jones has given his verdict on Steve Borthwick’s tenure in charge of England, as his former colleague comes under fire following his side’s disastrous Six Nations performance.

Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones explained that when the “drums start to beat”, the writing is often on the wall for the coach.

“The problem is, it’s just so loud now. Unless he can find someone within the RFU who’s got enough sense to support him [he’s gone],” he said.

England won just one match in the 2026 Six Nations campaign, and that was against Wales in their opening match. Since their February victory, the men in white have lost four consecutive matches, indicating some serious issues within camp.

Jones, who had his own struggles when in charge of England, has urged the RFU to stick with the head coach, however, saying: “I think he’s the right man to coach England, and I think they should support him through this.

“Yeah, maybe he’s got a few things wrong, and they’ll need to help him rectify those errors, but they’d be foolhardy to change coach now. Not anything against Cheik [Michael Cheika]. Cheik could do a good job.”

Michael Cheika has been strongly suggested to be the next in line for the England job, with the likes of former England fly-half Andy Goode calling for RFU CEO Bill Sweeney to get the “chequebook” out for the “Cheikman”.

Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust.

Edinburgh pay tribute to fan who passed away at match as rugby community comes together in support

The transition to international rugby

Jones, however, believes that now is not the time to get rid of their head coach.

“I was listening to someone this morning on the way in here, and talking about the fact that most coaches, when you go to the next level, it takes you four or five years to really learn your trade. I think that’s pretty true, like, international coaching is completely different from club coaching,” he said.

“Steve’s now four years into it, I think they’d be foolhardy to change the coach now, leading to the World Cup, they’re going to get the best result with Steve as the head coach.”

Borthwick took England to the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup in France and had very little time to prepare for it, so now, with four years under his belt, perhaps he deserves an opportunity to achieve greater success.

“Maybe after the next World Cup, it will be time to change, because everyone has a limit, but he’s a good coach,” added Jones. “He’s done a good job, and I think he should take them to the World Cup.

“One would hope that common sense prevails and Steve Borthwick is given the opportunity to finish the job, particularly after such a stunning performance by England at the weekend, where they played so very well.”

READ MORE: Ireland: Andy Farrell addresses long-term future after Triple Crown success