Six things Steve Borthwick must do in the year before the World Cup

# Summary

With roughly a year to go until the World Cup, the article identifies six focused priorities for Steve Borthwick and the RFU to maximise England's chances. The recommendations centre on personnel moves, selection priorities, and structural adjustments with clubs and coaching staff. Below is a concise, actionable summary of each priority and what it means for decisions this season.

# The six priorities

1) Recruit Shaun Edwards

The piece calls for Shaun Edwards to join England's coaching setup. Edwards is presented as a specific target to strengthen defensive coaching and bring a proven voice to the staff. The recommendation implies shifting defensive responsibilities and integrating his methods into the current system.

2) Bring Jack Willis into selection consideration

Jack Willis is named as a player to target for the squad. The suggestion is to explore his inclusion as part of back-row options ahead of the World Cup, indicating a preference for his particular skillset when building depth and impact off the bench.

3) Crack down on clubs

A key structural point is tougher engagement with Premiership and other clubs. The article recommends firmer policies to protect player availability and manage workloads in the lead-up to the tournament. This speaks to selection certainty and reducing the risk of club-versus-country conflicts during preparation.

4) Find midfield muscle

Midfield physicality is highlighted as an area that needs attention. The recommendation is to prioritize selection and tactics that bring stronger, more direct midfield options—both to create go-forward ball and to guard against powerful international midfield combinations.

5) Reassess captaincy

The article raises the possibility of appointing a new captain. It suggests reviewing leadership within the squad to ensure the on-field captain aligns with the World Cup strategy and can drive the team through high-pressure knockout scenarios.

6) Overall overhaul and clarity of plan

Taken together, the recommendations form a broader call for an overhaul in approach: clearer coaching roles, decisive recruitment, stricter club protocols, targeted selection priorities, and leadership that suits tournament needs. The emphasis is on practical, short-term fixes that can be implemented in the next 12 months.

# What this means for Borthwick now

• Immediate recruitment conversations need to happen around coaching and specific players named.
• Cup cycle.
• Selection policy should prioritise the physical attributes identified for midfield and the back row.
• A leadership review should be scheduled to settle captaincy ahead of major warm-up fixtures.

Addressing these six items does not guarantee tournament success, but the article frames them as concrete steps to reduce uncertainty and prepare a clearer World Cup blueprint.