LONDON - Steve Borthwick has been appointed as the new head coach of the England men's rugby team on a five-year contract, the Rugby Football Union announced.
Former England captain Borthwick, previously in charge of Premiership champions Leicester, has replaced Eddie Jones just over nine months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Warren Gatland, now in charge of Wales for the second time, Ronan O'Gara and Scott Robertson were touted as possible replacements for Jones but Borthwick always appeared to be the RFU's favoured candidate to succeed the outspoken former Australia and Japan coach.
"We had discussions about post-2023 and Steve was always our lead choice and preferred candidate to come in and do the England job, so I'm absolutely delighted he is here today," said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney at a Twickenham news conference.
Jones was sacked nearly a fortnight ago after the Australian presided over England's worst year of results since 2008, managing only five wins from 12 games.
That included an Autumn Nations campaign where England won just one of four games in November and suffered a defeat by Argentina -- their opening pool opponents at next year's World Cup.
The RFU also announced Leicester assistant coach and former Great Britain rugby league international Kevin Sinfield will join Borthwick as England's new defence coach.
England's new coaching duo have just seven weeks until their first Test in charge -- a Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham on February 4.