Steve Borthwick Opts Out of Lions Coaching Role, to Lead England’s Americas Tour
Steve Borthwick, the highly respected England head coach, has announced that he will not be joining the British and Irish Lions coaching staff for their 2025 tour of Australia. Instead, the 44-year-old will be in charge of England’s prospective Americas tour next summer, as he prioritizes the development of his young and promising national team.
Borthwick, widely regarded as one of the leading forwards coaches in world rugby, was acclaimed for his impact during the Lions’ 2017 tour of New Zealand, where the team fought back to earn a respectable 1-1 series draw against the formidable All Blacks. His former Saracens and Red Rose teammate, Andy Farrell, will lead the next Lions venture to Australia, but Borthwick has indicated that he would not accept an invitation to join the coaching setup.
“With several key players expected to be away on Lions duty, the Cumbrian tactician will use the Americas tour, which could feature a Test in the USA and two in Argentina, to bring through a new contingent of young and promising England talent.”
This decision reinforces Borthwick’s commitment to the long-term development of the national team.
England Representation in Lions Coaching Staff
While Borthwick has ruled himself out of the Lions coaching role, England may still have some representation within the management team. The RFU is believed to be supportive of any approach for one of Borthwick’s assistants, such as Richard Wigglesworth, Felix Jones, or Kevin Sinfield, to join Farrell’s coaching staff for the Australia tour.
The Lions’ first match in Australia will be against Western Force in Perth on June 28, 2025, kicking off a nine-match itinerary that will culminate in a three-Test series against the Wallabies. Before their departure, the Lions will warm up with a clash against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, 2025.
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