Cumbrian Steve Borthwick has been officially confirmed as England's new head coach.

The Carlisle-born former England captain replaces Eddie Jones in charge of the men's national side.

The 43-year-old has left his role as head coach of Leicester Tigers to take the top job in English rugby union.

He will lead the side into next year's Six Nations followed by the 2023 World Cup.

It is the second time in three appointments that England have handed the job to a Cumbrian, with Jones' predecessor having been Culgaith's Stuart Lancaster.

Borthwick will be assisted by Kevin Sinfield, who has been appointed as England men’s defence coach.

The Carlisle-born coach was previously England forwards coach, and today spoke of his pride at the appointment.

In a statement he said: "I'm deeply honoured to be appointed England head coach, and I am very excited by the challenge. 

"The English game is full of talent and I want to build a winning team which makes the most of our huge potential and inspires young people to fall in love with rugby union the way I did.  I want the whole country to be proud of us and to enjoy watching us play. 

"The hard work starts now and planning for the Guinness Six Nations and Rugby World Cup begins today.  I will give it everything.” 

Borthwick has signed a five-year contract.

Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the Rugby Footbll Union, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Steve back to the RFU.  He has been part of the England team for over 15 years and he is our first-choice successor to Eddie.

"Steve and Kevin’s insight and first-hand knowledge of the players will be a great asset and everyone at the RFU is right behind them with our full support.” 

Borthwick's first game in charge will be the Six Nations clash with Scotland at Twickenham on February 4.

Leicester Tigers chief executive Andrew Pinchen paid tribute to Borthwick's impact at a club he led to last year's Premiership title.

"The first and most important thing to say to Steve is, thank you," she said.

“He is one of the most hard working and dedicated people I have had the pleasure of seeing up close and his commitment to helping rebuild and reshape Leicester Tigers was profound.

“On behalf of everyone at Leicester Tigers, I wish Steve - as well as his wife and two boys - all the best in their next chapter, of which I am certain he will be successful in.”