England head coach Steve Borthwick insists his focus is on their Six Nations opener against Scotland rather than the potential meeting with new Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones in the Rugby World Cup.
Borthwick replaced Jones at the helm of the Red Rose after the Rugby Football Union sacked the veteran coach following a poor Test season in 2022.
The former second-row worked under Jones as an assistant coach during the Australian’s tenure with England before taking over Leicester Tigers.
Potential World Cup crossing
There is a chance that England and Australia could meet as soon as the quarter-finals of the showpiece in France later this year.
Borthwick underlined that he is only concerned about the Scotland game and is happy for Jones and his new appointment.
“I know the World Cup is around the corner but in 19 days’ time we play Scotland and that’s our focus,” Borthwick said.
“I’m delighted for Eddie that he is coaching his home country. The day that I was announced as England head coach he sent me a message wishing me the very best and this morning (Monday) I sent him a message wishing him the very best.”
Focused on the rebuild
The England tactician insists Jones’ appointment does not involve him and he is focused on rebuilding England.
“Nothing to do with me, my job is to coach the England rugby team,” he added.
“I’ve talked about the team we wish to build. Every England supporter wants to see an England team that plays with courage and fight in every single contest and that finds a way to win. It’s our job to coach that team.”
Borthwick announced his squad for the Six Nations earlier on Monday that included five uncapped stars, and looks to have rewarded Premiership form.
All eyes will be on England and how quickly they can find their feet under their new coach with the World Cup only months away.
READ MORE: England: Five uncapped players in Steve Borthwick’s first squad as Elliot Daly and Dan Cole handed recalls
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