Borthwick’s professional career began in 1998, when at the age of 19, he made his debut for Bath against Saracens.He went on to earn 246 caps, captaining them to the 2007/08 European Challenge Cup title, and announcing his move to Saracens at the end of that season. Borthwick also boasted an impressive international career. Making his England debut in 2001 against France, his career spanned nine years and 57 caps - 21 of them as captain. Eddie Jones recruited him as forwards coach with England in December 2015, where he played a key role in developing England's pack. In his first period with the national team Borthwick oversaw two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016, a 3-0 Test series win in Australia the same year, an unbeaten run of 18 matches, and a Rugby World Cup in Japan. He was also part of the British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2017 which saw the side draw a Test series against the All Blacks. Borthwick was named as England head coach in December 2022.