Cumbrian forwards coach Steve Borthwick is looking forward to “exciting times” in the next year as he reaffirmed his commitment to the England cause.

Carlisle-born Borthwick was approached by Guinness PRO14 team Ulster who were interested in making the former England lock their head coach earlier this year.

But the RFU denied the 38-year-old had applied for the role and Borthwick insists he is fully focused on the international matches against South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in the autumn before England attempt to regain the Six Nations ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“I think that [my commitment to England] was made pretty clear in the statement made by the RFU,” the former Bath and Saracens player said.

“I’m concentrating on my job to help England continue to improve.

“We know we have got some exciting times ahead over the next 12 months and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Borthwick has been working closely with Dylan Hartley over the last week as the England captain works his way back to full fitness after he suffered a concussion in the Six Nations clash with Ireland.

Hartley has not played since the loss to Ireland in March but Borthwick is optimistic he will be ready for the start of the season on September 1.

“The start of the season is a month away and he is progressing. I think everything’s going well at this stage,” he told Sky Sports .

England will next be in action when they play South Africa, who recently beat them 2-1 in a three-match series, at Twickenham on November 3.