Leicester Tigers boss Steve Borthwick has refused to be drawn in to any talk about taking over as England head coach, despite heavy links to the job.
The in-demand coach insists his focus is on Tigers and their opening Champions Cup clash with the Ospreys, which takes place in Swansea on Sunday.
Borthwick is the favourite to take over from the sacked Eddie Jones, who left his post on Tuesday after a disappointing run of results over recent years.
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Focus on Leicester’s next game
“We play Ospreys on Sunday night and that’s what I’m focused upon,” was Borthwick‘s reply when asked about the rumours ahead of their European tie.
“That’s what my team is focused upon and that’s what we’ve been focused upon all week.
“Within Leicester Tigers and this team here, there is no talk here of anything other than the game on Sunday night.”
Borthwick confirmed that he would still be in charge of Tigers for their second European game on December 17, against Clermont, insisting he’s committed.
“I don’t think anyone can possibly doubt how committed I’ve been since the minute I walked through this door to give the best I can for this team,” he said.
“That is my intention again this week to get the performance we want.
“All these things that go on around a team, your job is always to be focused on what you need to do.
“Since I’ve come in here my focus is on what we need to get better today.
“We have frameworks in place to make sure how we think about how we train, how we prepare, and we will continue to do that this week.”
It would be quite the story if Borthwick does take over from Jones as the Australian gave him his first coaching role while in charge of Japan back in 2012.
He then joined Jones with England before leaving after Rugby World Cup 2019, as a move to Leicester saw him guide them to Premiership glory last season.
Praise for axed Eddie Jones
He said of his former mentor: “Eddie is a phenomenal coach and I was very fortunate and privileged to have worked with him for so many years.
“I have learned and continue to learn a huge amount from him. Even when not working in the same coaching team as him since I came to Leicester Tigers, he’s always been incredibly supportive of myself and my coaching journey.
“I could talk about Eddie’s work ethic and the desire to learn.
“He never ceases to want to be better and improve the players to help them achieve their dreams.
“But what I should actually talk about is the generosity of the guy. Whenever I’ve heard a coach ask questions of him I’ve seen him help people all around the world.
“He loves the game and he’s just an incredible coach.”