Steve Borthwick to coach Japan’s forwards

Saracens captain will move to Japan and become Japan forwards coach when he retires from playing at the end of the current rugby season.

Thirty-four-year-old Borthwick captained England in 21 of his 57 International caps but will hang up his boots after 16 years of playing after Saturday’s Premiership final against Northampton.

Borthwick will take on a role under former Saracens Director of Rugby Eddie Jones who coaches the Japanese national side the Cherry Blossoms.

The former England captain has made 264 Premiership appearances which makes him the most capped Premiership player and two games ahead of Leicester’s George Chuter.

Borthwick assisted with coaching Japan’s forward last summer when they played Tests against Wales.

“Steve Borthwick, who will be joining our Japan team, has supported us over the past two years as a spot coach,” a Japan rugby spokesperson said.

“Being a former captain of England, Steve has a good character and has great trust from the players.

“On the road to the World Cup, forwards will be the key to a successful campaign and we believe Steve as a forward coach will play a vital role.”

Borthwick played for Bath for 10 years before he joined Saracens in 2008.