Borthwick wanted for Jones’ job

RFU could sack Australian after crunch talks next week Leicester head coach top choice to step in if axe falls

The Rugby Football Union is considering sacking Eddie Jones and replacing him with Steve Borthwick early next week, despite the head coach’s insistence that he is the right man to lead England to the World Cup next year.

Jones, 62, will attend a crunch meeting with chief executive Bill Sweeney on Monday that will decide his fate ahead of a full board meeting on Tuesday.

Telegraph Sport understands Borthwick is the overwhelming first choice should Jones depart, which is looking increasingly likely. The Australian could pay the price for a dismal autumn in which England lost to Argentina and South Africa and gained a lastgasp draw with New Zealand.

Jones has spent all week on a reconnaissance mission in France preparing for next year’s tournament and sources close to him insist he is determined to continue his tenure, saying that they have never seen him more motivated and that he wants to finish the job.

Jones, who has led England since 2015, was always due to leave Twickenham once his contract runs out in October 2023. Borthwick has been widely predicted to take over, having served his international apprenticeship under Jones and most recently impressed as head coach of Leicester.

The RFU announced last Sunday that a two-week review would be conducted by a panel which includes board and executive members, along with independent former players and coaches. However, the meeting with Jones has now been brought forward, with the Six Nations just nine weeks away.

In the past, Jones has travelled to Japan after the autumn internationals to continue his consultancy role with Suntory Sungoliath, having advised the Japanese side for more than 20 years. The Japan domestic season gets underway in middecember, but Suntory have informed Telegraph Sport they are unsure when Jones will arrive.

“There is a possibility of him coming to Japan, but nothing has been decided,” said a spokesman.

Another big name linked with the England role has been Warren Gatland, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions coach, potentially offering a senior counsel alongside Borthwick, although there has been no contact from the RFU.

One of the other contenders to replace Jones, La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’gara, has ruled himself out of contention.