Steve Borthwick is a prominent figure in the rugby world, known for his significant contributions both as a player and a coach. His career spans over two decades, marked by leadership, tactical acumen, and a deep understanding of the game. This guide provides an in-depth look at Steve Borthwick’s background, playing career, coaching career, interesting facts, coaching style, and his best career achievements.
Background
Steve Borthwick was born on October 12, 1979, in Carlisle, England. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in rugby, a passion that would shape his future career. He attended Hutton Grammar School and later the University of Bath, where he balanced his academic pursuits with his burgeoning rugby career. His dedication to the sport was evident early on, laying the foundation for his success both on and off the field.
Playing Career
Steve Borthwick’s playing career is distinguished by his leadership qualities and consistent performances. As a lock, he was known for his line-out expertise, work rate, and tactical intelligence.
- Bath Rugby (1998 – 2008):
- Borthwick began his professional career with Bath Rugby, making his debut in 1998. Over the next decade, he became a stalwart for the club, making over 240 appearances.
- His leadership skills were recognized early, and he was appointed captain of Bath in 2005. Under his captaincy, Bath reached the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup and won the European Challenge Cup in 2008.
- Saracens (2008 – 2014):
- In 2008, Borthwick joined Saracens, where he continued to excel. His tenure at Saracens was marked by significant success, including leading the team to their first Premiership title in 2011.
- Borthwick’s influence at Saracens was profound, both on and off the field, as he helped to instill a winning culture within the club.
- England National Team (2001 – 2010):
- Borthwick earned his first cap for England in 2001 against France. Over the next decade, he made 57 appearances for his country.
- He was appointed captain of the England team in 2008, leading the team during a challenging period and laying the groundwork for future successes.
Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Steve Borthwick transitioned seamlessly into coaching, bringing his extensive knowledge and experience to various roles.
- Saracens (2012 – 2015):
- While still playing, Borthwick began his coaching career at Saracens, focusing on forward play and line-outs. His analytical approach and attention to detail made an immediate impact.
- Japan National Team (2015 – 2016):
- Borthwick joined Eddie Jones’ coaching staff for the Japan national team ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. His work with the forwards was instrumental in Japan’s historic victory over South Africa, one of the biggest upsets in rugby history.
- England National Team (2016 – 2020):
- Following his successful stint with Japan, Borthwick joined Eddie Jones at England as the forwards coach. During his tenure, England won the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam, the 2017 Six Nations Championship, and reached the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
- Leicester Tigers (2020 – Present):
- In 2020, Borthwick took on the role of head coach at Leicester Tigers. Under his leadership, the team has seen a resurgence, with a focus on building a strong, disciplined squad capable of competing at the highest levels.
Coaching Style
Steve Borthwick is known for his meticulous approach to coaching. He places a strong emphasis on preparation, discipline, and detail. His coaching philosophy is built around the following key principles:
- Analytical Approach:
- Borthwick is highly analytical, using data and video analysis to develop game plans and strategies. He is known for his thorough preparation and ability to break down the opposition.
- Technical Expertise:
- His deep understanding of forward play and set-pieces, particularly the line-out, is a cornerstone of his coaching. Borthwick’s teams are well-drilled and technically proficient.
- Leadership and Communication:
- Borthwick is a natural leader and effective communicator. He is known for his ability to inspire and motivate players, fostering a strong team culture and work ethic.
- Adaptability:
- Throughout his coaching career, Borthwick has shown the ability to adapt to different teams and environments, achieving success at both club and international levels.
Best Career Achievements
Steve Borthwick’s career, both as a player and coach, is highlighted by numerous achievements:
- Playing Career:
- European Challenge Cup Winner (2008): Captaining Bath to victory.
- Premiership Champion (2011): Leading Saracens to their first Premiership title.
- 57 England Caps: Representing his country and captaining the team.
- Coaching Career:
- Historic Victory with Japan (2015): Part of the coaching staff that led Japan to a famous win over South Africa.
- Six Nations Grand Slam (2016): Forward coach for England during their Grand Slam-winning campaign.
- Rugby World Cup Finalist (2019): Coaching England to the final in Japan.
- Revitalizing Leicester Tigers: Leading a resurgence at one of England’s most storied clubs.
Interesting Facts
- Academic Pursuits: Borthwick balanced his rugby career with academics, earning a degree in Economics and Politics from the University of Bath.
- Long-Term Collaborator: His professional relationship with Eddie Jones has been highly successful, spanning several teams and multiple international campaigns.
- Family Man: Steve Borthwick is known to be a dedicated family man, often citing the support of his family as a crucial part of his success.
Conclusion
Steve Borthwick’s journey from a determined young player in Carlisle to a respected coach at the highest levels of rugby is a testament to his dedication, intelligence, and passion for the game. His impact on the field as a player and on the sidelines as a coach has been profound, and he continues to shape the future of rugby with his strategic mind and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether at Bath, Saracens, or Leicester Tigers, or with the England and Japan national teams, Borthwick’s legacy is one of leadership, resilience, and success.