Borthwick calls for Prem bonus-point reform as England confront disciplinary problems

England head coach Steve Borthwick has called for a change to the Prem's bonus-point system, arguing that the domestic competition should reward teams for their margin of tries rather than simply reaching four. According to reporting by The Guardian, he favours the French Top 14 approach, under which a side must score three more tries than its opponent to earn the additional point.

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Borthwick said that structure would give teams a stronger reason to maintain their defensive standards throughout the match. He believes the Prem's existing arrangement does not always provide the same incentive through to the final whistle. His comments were a proposal for reform, not an announcement of a change, and he stressed that his criticism concerned the competition's structure rather than any individual.

The argument formed part of a broader assessment of England's disciplinary problems. The national side have received 14 yellow cards and one red during 2026 and have lost five of their past seven Tests, The Guardian reported. Borthwick acknowledged that England had failed to handle some situations as required over the preceding six to eight months, contrasting that with the team's habits at the 2023 World Cup.

He also identified the breakdown as an area where players need to adjust between domestic and international rugby. Citing last month's Champions Cup round, Borthwick said English clubs had surrendered more possession at the breakdown than clubs from any other country while recovering less. He argued that England spend too much time defending and need to regain the ball more quickly.

Refereeing interpretation has been part of the response. Borthwick invited referee Christophe Ridley to speak to his players last week, while national coaches were invited to a meeting with officials on Sunday. The coach emphasised players' responsibility to recognise how matches are being officiated and adapt, rather than repeatedly allowing defensive pressure to lead to disciplinary trouble.

A mid-season change outlawing hip-drop tackles has added another adjustment. Prop Ellis Genge criticised the timing and the sport's repeated alterations to its rules, including their effect on new followers. Borthwick, however, supported measures that protect players and said England's task was to adapt quickly to the change.