England’s coaching team experiences a shake-up once again as Richard Wigglesworth receives a promotion. The former scrum-half, who initially joined as the attack coach before the World Cup last year, will now serve as the senior assistant coach under Steve Borthwick. In his new role, Wigglesworth will not only oversee England’s attacking strategies but also assist Borthwick in developing the team’s overall game plan. This move comes amidst a series of coaching changes ahead of the autumn internationals where England will face off against tough opponents like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan next month.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed Wigglesworth’s promotion, highlighting his deep understanding of the game and tactical prowess as valuable assets to the coaching team. Borthwick expressed his confidence in Wigglesworth, citing his commitment to English rugby and expecting him to play a pivotal role in upholding the team’s standards. The announcement follows Borthwick appointing Joe El-Abd as the new defence coach, replacing Felix Jones who abruptly resigned in August after a brief tenure. Despite Jones working remotely to fulfill his notice period, Borthwick is expected to provide more details on the Irishman’s future when he unveils the squad for the upcoming autumn fixtures.
Additionally, Kevin Sinfield will retain his mentor role while also taking up responsibilities as the skills and kicking coach on a part-time basis. Tom Harrison continues as the scrum coach, with Andrew Strawbridge serving as the assistant coach and coaching advisor. These decisions were made following the rejection by Gallagher Premiership clubs to allow Saracens assistant Phil Morrow to take over as head of strength and conditioning, alongside his current role with the club. The evolving coaching setup reflects a concerted effort to reinforce England’s coaching staff and strategies as they gear up for the challenging matches ahead.
The constant flux within the coaching personnel indicates a proactive approach by Borthwick to fine-tune England’s tactics and performance on the field. With a mix of seasoned coaches and fresh appointments, the team aims to stay competitive and adapt swiftly to the demands of international rugby. As the autumn internationals draw closer, the focus remains on preparing the squad effectively under the guidance of an evolving coaching lineup, led by Steve Borthwick and his newly appointed senior assistant, Richard Wigglesworth.