Borthwick vs. Jones: England Rugby Coach Salaries Compared
The role of England Rugby head coach is arguably one of the most scrutinised, high-pressure, and commercially significant positions in world sport. With immense expectations from a passionate fanbase and significant financial backing, the person at the helm often finds their every decision, and indeed their compensation, under the microscope. In recent years, much discussion has revolved around the contrasting tenures and, inevitably, the salaries of two key figures: Steve Borthwick and his predecessor, Eddie Jones. While official figures remain elusive, informed estimates paint a fascinating picture of the financial demands and rewards of leading the Roses.
The England Coaching Hot Seat: A Role Like No Other
Leading England Rugby is not merely a coaching job; it's a national undertaking. The individual in this position navigates intense media scrutiny, manages a vast player pool, shapes national identity on the pitch, and carries the hopes of millions. Such a demanding role naturally comes with a substantial compensation package, reflecting the immense pressure and the commercial value the team generates for the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
However, unlike many other major sports leagues, the financial aspects of rugby, particularly coaching salaries, are rarely disclosed publicly. This veil of secrecy means that figures widely discussed for coaches like Steve Borthwick are estimates, compiled from consistent reporting, industry comparisons, and informed speculation. Despite the lack of official confirmation, these estimates provide a crucial insight into the economics of elite international rugby coaching.
Unpacking Steve Borthwick's Estimated Earnings
When Steve Borthwick took over the reins from Eddie Jones in late 2022, he stepped into a role that commands a premium. Based on consistent reporting and comparisons with other top-tier international coaches globally, Steve Borthwick's salary as England head coach is commonly estimated to be in the region of **£650,000 to £750,000 per year**. While the exact figure is not officially confirmed by the RFU, most reports converge around the **£700,000** mark as a likely base salary.
To put this into an international context, this estimated range places Borthwick among the highest-paid coaches in international rugby. For a global perspective, these figures roughly translate to R15.5 – R18 million per year in South African Rand, or approximately $820,000 – $950,000 USD annually.
It's crucial to understand that these figures typically refer to the *base salary* only. They often do not include potential performance or win bonuses, specific tournament incentives (such as for the Six Nations or Rugby World Cup cycles), commercial or image-rights arrangements, or other benefits like travel allowances, housing, or relocation packages. The full financial commitment from the RFU, therefore, could be even higher, though these additional details remain strictly private. This substantial pay packet reflects not only the commercial size and revenue potential of English rugby but also the RFU's need to compete financially to attract and retain top talent in a competitive global market. For a deeper dive into his earnings, explore
Steve Borthwick Salary: What Does England's Rugby Coach Earn?.
Eddie Jones: The Predecessor's Pay Packet
Before Borthwick, the England coaching role was famously held by Eddie Jones, whose tenure saw both incredible highs and challenging lows. When Jones was at the helm, there was significantly more reporting and speculation about his salary, largely due to his established international reputation and the fanfare surrounding his appointment.
Eddie Jones was widely reported to be earning around **£750,000 per year** during his time as England's head coach. This figure was consistently cited across various media outlets, making it a benchmark for the position. Jones was seen as a "huge scoop" for the RFU, a coach with a proven track record at the highest level (including leading Japan to a famous Rugby World Cup victory over South Africa), and a figure who commanded significant respect and demand in the global rugby market. It's plausible that securing a coach of Jones's calibre required a substantial financial offer, positioning him as one of the best-paid rugby coaches globally at the time.
Comparing these figures directly, Borthwick's estimated salary of £700,000 appears to be slightly less than what Jones reportedly commanded. This small but significant difference can be attributed to several factors that illuminate the intricacies of high-stakes coaching appointments.
Why the Potential Discrepancy? Factors Influencing Borthwick's Salary
The slight difference between Eddie Jones's reported salary and Steve Borthwick's estimated earnings isn't arbitrary. Several key factors likely contributed to the RFU's offering to Borthwick:
Experience and Market Value
Eddie Jones arrived at the RFU with an extensive international coaching CV, including successful stints with Australia and Japan, and a reputation as a shrewd tactician. His proven experience at the very top level and his global demand gave him significant leverage in salary negotiations. Steve Borthwick, while highly respected as a domestic coach (leading Leicester Tigers to a Premiership title), was less experienced as a national head coach when he took the England job. This difference in experience and established international market value likely played a role in the initial offer.
The Cost of Release: A Significant RFU Outlay
A major factor impacting Borthwick's initial salary package was the RFU's need to secure his release from his contract with Leicester Tigers. Reports indicated that the RFU had to pay a substantial sum, potentially **more than £500,000**, to compensate Leicester for releasing their head coach mid-contract.
This significant outlay directly impacted the RFU's overall budget for the coaching appointment. While Borthwick was the RFU's preferred choice, paying a substantial transfer fee for a coach effectively reduces the capital available for their salary. It's a pragmatic financial reality: a portion of the funds that might have otherwise been allocated to the head coach's annual pay packet was instead diverted to securing his immediate availability. This financial juggle highlights the complexities unions face when recruiting top talent already under contract. For more insights on the truth behind the figures, read
England Rugby's Top Earner? The Truth Behind Borthwick's Salary.
Negotiation Dynamics
The dynamics of negotiation also differ. Jones, an international commodity, likely had multiple suitors or the ability to command a higher premium. Borthwick, while highly valued, was transitioning from a domestic role, potentially making the negotiation less about an international bidding war and more about a strategic appointment within the RFU's existing financial framework.
Beyond the Base: The True Value of the England Coach Role
While salary figures provide a tangible comparison, the true value of the England head coach role extends beyond the basic pay packet. It encompasses immense prestige, the opportunity to influence the direction of English rugby, and a platform that few other coaching positions can offer.
The high level of pay, however, invariably brings intense public scrutiny. England supporters and media alike often factor salary into their debates around selection decisions, playing style, tournament outcomes, and long-term World Cup planning. High pay brings high expectations – and as both Jones and Borthwick have experienced, very little patience when results dip. This constant pressure cooker environment is part and parcel of the job, and the hefty salary reflects this unique combination of challenge, reward, and responsibility.
Conclusion
Comparing the estimated salaries of Steve Borthwick and Eddie Jones as England Rugby coaches offers a fascinating glimpse into the financial workings of elite international rugby. While Eddie Jones reportedly commanded around £750,000 per year, Steve Borthwick's estimated salary is thought to be slightly less, around £700,000 annually. This difference is largely attributed to Jones's greater international coaching experience at the time of his appointment and the significant buyout fee the RFU paid to Leicester Tigers to secure Borthwick's services. Regardless of the exact figures, which remain estimates due to the RFU's privacy policy, both coaches have been compensated handsomely, reflecting the immense pressure, commercial value, and national importance of leading England Rugby. It's a job where the financial reward is directly proportional to the unforgiving demands of the role.
