Wanted man Steve Borthwick stuck in the middle as Bristol and RFU lock horns

Little over an hour after the RFU had announced Borthwick as the first backroom arrival of Jones’ regime, Bristol declared that the former Red Rose captain had not been granted permission to leave.

England have grown frustrated at the difficulty in agreeing Borthwick’s release from his contract at Ashton Gate, with the Championship club – bankrolled by billionaire owner Steve Lansdown – believed to be seeking a large six-figure sum in compensation.

The result is a frustrating stand-off and the RFU is understood to have explored numerous options in the hope of securing Jones’s right-hand man with Japan at this autumn’s World Cup.

Borthwick submitted his notice on Tuesday in an attempt to force his departure and a stand-off has ensued which it is hoped will be brought to a conclusion by the end of the week.

“The RFU can announce Steve Borthwick has agreed to join Eddie Jones’ coaching staff,” an RFU statement yesterday afternoon read.

But a few hours later, Bristol responded with their own statement, which read: “Bristol want to make it clear that we have not agreed that Steve Borthwick can leave our employment.”

Earlier in the day, Borthwick, who won 57 England caps and played in the 2007 World Cup final, described working with Jones and England as “a really exciting opportunity”.

Before combining with Japan, Borthwick and Jones worked together at Saracens.

“I’m delighted that Steve has joined my coaching set-up. I have known him for a long time through Saracens and Japan and he has done fantastic work as a coach,” said Jones.

“Steve has a huge amount of international experience as a player and a captain and his coaching in Japan in recent years shows he can get the best out of the players at the highest level.”

But Bristol, clearly desperate to keep their highly rated assistant coach, seem adamant Borthwick’s exit is far from guaranteed.

“Bristol did not give the RFU permission to speak with Steve Borthwick,” their statement continued. “(We) will take all reasonable actions as necessary to protect the club’s position and, therefore, will not be making any further statement at this stage.