Eddie Jones completely overhauls England national team backroom staff

“Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree, Mike Catt – they are outstanding coaches, but I just feel at this stage that for England we need to have some new thoughts and new ideas come in”, Jones said.

It is now clear that Jones, the Australian “supercoach” head-hunted by the Rugby Football Union to succeed Stuart Lancaster in the top job, is cleaning the Twickenham stables with a vengeance. Bristol, who are desperate to return to the Premiership after a seven-year absence, want Borthwick to remain with them for the rest of the season if he agreed to rejoin Jones, but the RFU wants him to be fully committed to England.

However, Borthwick’s current club Bristol maintain their forwards coach will remain with them.

The 36-year-old former England worldwide and captain joined the Championship side Bristol following the conclusion of the tournament this year but will leave to join the national set-up full time. Another Saracen, Paul Gustard, is the favourite to become the defence coach. Farrell could return to Saracens if Gustard left, while Rowntree has been linked on social media with Wales, whose forwards coach Robin McBryde is contracted until the summer.

Borthwick, meanwhile, was Jones’ right-hand man with Japan during the World Cup in September and October, plotting three pool stage victories, including a stunning 34-32 success against South Africa in Brighton.

Departing forwards coach Rowntree, attack coach Catt and defence coach Farrell had all signed contract extensions previous year. “I’m sure there will be some dealings between the RFU and ourselves over the next 24 to 48 hours”.

Before Bristol intervened, Borthwick said: “This is a huge honour to be asked as these chances don’t come around often”. I have known him for a long time through Saracens and Japan and he has done fantastic work as a coach. I’ve spoken to them individually and I’ve got different views on what’s happened with England from players, administrators and other coaches.

Former England captain Borthwick is expected to assume specialist lineout duties in Jones’ set-up, reprising the role he filled to fine effect with Japan during the World Cup. He is a great addition and I look forward to working with him again as we look ahead to the start of the RBS 6 Nations next year’.