BORTHWICK IS STICKING WITH RED ROSE

RFU chiefs have quashed talk of Steve Borthwick following fellow coach Paul Gustard out of the England set-up.

The Union confirmed that Eddie Jones’ right-hand man was approached by Ulster in relation to their vacant head coach role. But Borthwick (left), who has worked as forwards coach alongside Jones – first with Japan, then the Red Rose – since retiring from playing in 2014, took the matter no further.

“Steve is completely committed to England,” an RFU spokesperson said. “He has not applied for any other coaching roles since he joined England in 2016.” Bath and Saracens, the two clubs with whom Borthwick (left) spent his playing career, have been handed tough draws in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup.

Bath, the 1998 champions, are pooled with champions Leinster, Wasps and Toulouse, while Sarries will line up against Glasgow, Lyon and Cardiff.