Steve Borthwick has spoken out about the current England rugby setup, emphasizing the difference between his approach and that of his predecessor, Eddie Jones. Recently, former England scrum-half Danny Care described his experience under Jones’s leadership as like “living in a dictatorship,” raising concerns about the atmosphere created during Jones’s tenure. Care’s comments have shed light on what he and others felt was a restrictive and, at times, intimidating environment.
Borthwick, who was Jones’s assistant for over four years before stepping into the head coach role in December 2022, addressed these concerns by underscoring his commitment to fostering a culture where players feel comfortable and empowered to share their views. Although he refrained from commenting directly on Care’s remarks, Borthwick made it clear that his approach is aimed at nurturing an open environment. He described an atmosphere where players and staff have regular discussions, with ideas exchanged daily and adjustments made as needed. This marks a significant shift from Jones’s alleged “dictatorial” style, which some players reportedly found oppressive and stifling.
The transformation under Borthwick is particularly notable in terms of player engagement. During the current campaign, players have become more vocal in team meetings, expressing their thoughts and contributing to decisions, an evolution Borthwick believes signifies the squad’s growth. He has encouraged senior players to set examples for younger team members, fostering a supportive culture that contrasts with the atmosphere described by Care under Jones. Care himself admitted that he regretted not speaking up sooner, likening the atmosphere to the unease felt when witnessing bullying but feeling unable to intervene.
This cultural shift in the England rugby team comes amid a broader debate around coaching styles and athlete welfare. While Jones brought success and intensity to England rugby, culminating in a World Cup final appearance in 2019, his methods have come under scrutiny, especially after Care’s portrayal. Some players have described Jones’s tenure as demanding to the point of exhaustion, where his staff, according to Care, were left feeling like “shells of their former selves.” The Rugby Football Union (RFU), which extended Jones’s contract despite concerns, has defended its oversight, explaining that no formal complaints were filed at the time. Nevertheless, Borthwick is actively monitored by the RFU’s leadership, with regular check-ins from both the chief executive and the director of rugby, underscoring an institutional commitment to transparency.
For his part, Borthwick has sought to distance his style from that of Jones, who was known for his intensity and sometimes harsh management techniques. The head coach has stressed the importance of creating an environment tailored to his current group of players, where they feel confident in contributing ideas without fear of retribution. He noted that he frequently converses with players and coaches, using these interactions to adapt and refine strategies. The shift in communication style is apparent: players now feel freer to voice their opinions in team meetings, a marked contrast from the past. Borthwick’s encouragement of senior players to model positive behaviors has further enhanced this open culture, helping younger players feel at ease.
Borthwick’s approach also reflects a nuanced understanding of balance in coaching. While he demands intensity in training, he is also careful to account for players’ needs for rest and mental reset, something he feels is essential for maintaining peak performance. This approach acknowledges the demanding nature of elite rugby but recognizes that the mental well-being of players is crucial for long-term success.
Tom Curry, a player who started his England career under Jones, offered a balanced view, suggesting that his experience under Jones was not universally negative. He expressed gratitude for the early opportunity Jones provided, noting that Jones pushed him hard but did so with clear intentions. Curry’s comments reflect a sense of loyalty to Jones and an appreciation for the tough training, but he acknowledged that Borthwick’s approach is different, particularly in terms of understanding the need for downtime. This shift in philosophy appears to resonate well with the players, who appreciate Borthwick’s recognition of balance between intensity and recovery.
The contrasting perspectives on Jones’s and Borthwick’s coaching styles reflect broader discussions about leadership and coaching in high-performance sports. Jones’s methods, characterized by a demanding and sometimes authoritarian style, have undoubtedly produced results, as evidenced by England’s performance under his leadership. However, the toll that this approach may have taken on players and staff is becoming clearer in hindsight. Borthwick’s more inclusive and adaptive style, in contrast, aligns with modern ideas about sports psychology and player well-being, which emphasize the importance of a supportive environment.
Beyond the immediate team dynamics, the RFU has also shown interest in ensuring a healthy environment for players and staff. Borthwick’s regular meetings with key RFU leaders illustrate an organization-wide commitment to fostering transparency and accountability. By creating a framework where issues can be addressed early, the RFU aims to avoid the type of concerns that arose during Jones’s tenure. This level of oversight may serve as a model for other sports organizations seeking to balance the demands of elite performance with the welfare of athletes and staff.
The recent changes under Borthwick signal a broader shift within the sport toward valuing holistic development over results at any cost. While high-performance environments will always be intense and demanding, there is an increasing recognition of the need for balance and well-being. For England’s rugby team, the transition to Borthwick’s leadership style could help establish a more sustainable culture, one that encourages peak performance without sacrificing mental and emotional health.
The England rugby team’s evolving culture under Borthwick represents a fresh start and a departure from the past. His approach, grounded in open communication and respect for players’ voices, is setting a new tone for the team. As they move forward, the players’ feedback and Borthwick’s adaptive style may create a more resilient squad. In a high-stakes environment like elite rugby, where pressure and performance go hand in hand, fostering a culture that respects and values each player could be key to long-term success.
