Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

A senior role likely for England coach Steve Borthwick at Leicester Tigers

By Ian Cameron
Steve Borthwick

England forwards coach Steve Borthwick appears to have found his post-Rugby World Cup landing spot back in the Premiership with Leicester Tigers and what’s more – it’s set to be a senior role.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Welford Road outfit had been criticized in recent years for lacking the forward grunt traditionally associated with the no-nonsense club.

With that in mind, Tigers have aggressively recruited to their pack over the summer with the signing of Puma’s Tomas Lavanini, Hanro Liebenberg, Calum Green, 149kg Nephi Leatigaga and Jordan Taufua, as well as Jaco Taute and Noel Reid in the backs.

RugbyPass understands that the former Saracens lock is set to take up a senior role with the storied club, who are looking to bolster their forward IP after a number of disappointing Gallagher Premiership campaigns.

While it is unclear exactly what role Borthwick will take, it is hard to imagine the former England captain not having some degree of a hands-on role with the forwards, whatever his title may be.

Video Spacer

Borthwick remained coy when quizzed about the move 10 days ago in Japan. “We discussed that a couple of weeks ago didn’t we?,” said Borthwick. “I’m clearly contracted to the RFU beyond the World Cup. That’s been confirmed several times and there’s nothing I can really add beyond that.”

Leicester Tigers refused to comment on the move when a statement was requested by RugbyPass.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Director of Rugby position at the club would allow current head coach Geordan Murphy to save face while allowing Borthwick to further his own coaching career after a successful stint with Eddie Jones’ England.

Alternatively, Murphy could opt for a DoR role himself, with Borthwick slotting in as head coach.

Considerable pressure was heaped on Murphy (41), who took the reigns at Welford Road following the sudden exit of Matt O’Connor just one week into the regular season.

Towards the end of the season, with Tigers on the verge of relegation, veteran coach Mike Ford was parachuted into the club in a consultancy role. In July that role was revised to that of attack coach.

ADVERTISEMENT

Current forwards coach Mark Bakewell arrived at Tigers in February 2018 with more than 20 years of experience as a coach.

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
Trevor 43 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Dean Richards set for return to rugby management Dean Richards set for return to rugby management
Search