The sunlit peaks of English rugby were not readily apparent at Twickenham on Monday at noon. Bill Sweeney, the chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, often referred to a rosy “new age” even though it was a dreary, dismal day.
As the rain pelted down and the wind howled across the desolate and wet concourse, it almost felt as if the end of the world had come early.
Inside the West Stand, though, a much more encouraging scene was playing out. Even though Christmas is still a few days away, Steve Borthwick sounded like he had already received the gift he had long desired.
Although the timing of the offer to become England’s head coach was somewhat surprising, there was no mistaking Borthwick’s enthusiasm at taking up the position just vacated by Eddie Jones.
Everything is relative. There are limitations to what any coach, wizard or not, can accomplish in six and a half weeks. By the time England plays their first Six Nations game against Scotland on February 4, though, their fans may be pleasantly surprised by how differently they feel about the prospect and how much more optimistic the team appears.
They may be reevaluating their interest in Borthwick. Everyone is familiar with the 43-year-old old’s ethic, diligence, analytical mind, and serious demeanor, but how many have considered his humanity?
The former England captain may never be as at ease in front of the television arc lights as his predecessor, but it is already clear why a previously dejected England team might react positively to his arrival.
The first is the astute selection of his running buddy. Anyone familiar with his new defense coach, Kevin Sinfield, will respect the new formation immediately.
His extraordinary exploits in rugby league, ultramarathon running, and charity fundraising suggest that he is far more than a typical coach. “Kevin is an exceptional coach,” stated Borthwick. I believe he is an even more admirable human being.
Then there is Borthwick’s honest, truthful assessment of England’s condition. Like everyone else, he believes they are capable of performing far better. They simply require more direction. Possibly on purpose, he referenced a recollection from Clive Woodward’s tenure as England coach when he was a 21-year-old team rookie.
“In every meeting, there were posters on the wall, and I always referred to the one that read ‘Brilliant Fundamentals.’ When we play our first game in 47 days, we must excel at the fundamentals above all else.
This clarity is just what England is begging for. As the head coach of Leicester, Borthwick has also witnessed firsthand how much this fall’s difficulties stung the Tigers’ players. “What strikes me is how much pain the players are in,” he stated.
Along with a captain and stronger set-piece foundations, the other objects will be to get the team to start enjoying rugby again. Initially, only restricted personnel changes will be permitted, with only five mid-season alterations permitted in England’s Elite Player Squad.
Using his term, he will strive to initiate this process by being “genuine.” To some, this may sound like an empty platitude, but Borthwick means it with every fiber of his Cumbrian-raised body.
Before becoming an international player, he was a devoted England fan as a child. “I was the child who would jump up and down in the living room, and I was the lad whose singing of national songs would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
I was the 14-year-old who declared, “I want to play for England!” As a coach, my goal is to develop a productive team. I believe this is what Twickenham supporters desire.”
Currently, he and his Australian wife, Beth, have two sons, Hunter, age nine, and Chase, age seven. Borthwick shares a charming story about coming to the family home after work a few days earlier if their names reflect a certain go-getting approach toward life and rugby. “Hunter ran towards me while holding a ball in his hand. I thought, “He is going to give me a big hug, and it will be a touching moment.”
Instead, he sprinted by me, dove on the floor across the living room, and announced, “I just scored the winning try, Daddy!” Brilliant. A difficulty was that I missed my hug. The second was that he wore a Wallabies shirt. His mother is responsible for that.”
However, the true lesson of the story is his conviction that rugby can inspire fans of all ages. Borthwick affirms, “It is potent.” “I want to make sure that this team uses that power to get youngsters excited about the game and to get the crowd shouting.
Everyone can see that we have a great deal of work to accomplish. This will not occur overnight. But I believe we have a fantastic bunch of players, which is exciting.”
Borthwick has not yet donned his new tracksuit, but the atmosphere around Twickenham is beginning to brighten.
