The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has reiterated its backing for Steve Borthwick after extending the contracts of the England coaching staff through to the summer of 2028.

Borthwick and his existing coaches will lead the side into next year’s World Cup with the union confident that they can bounce back from a disappointing Six Nations.

Having axed Eddie Jones with less than a year to go to the last tournament, the RFU has been keen to avoid a repeat of that scenario and believe Borthwick’s side remain well placed to challenge at next year’s World Cup.

That comes despite enduring their worst Six Nations campaign that featured a first-ever defeat to Italy, and being heavily beaten 45-21 in their Nations Championship opener against South Africa in July.

Bill Sweeney, the RFU chief executive, suggested that Borthwick will remain in place regardless of results this autumn.

“We’re committed to Steve, we’ve extended his contract to the middle of 2028,” Sweeney said. “We believe in what he’s doing.…