England A coaching staff announced as exciting Premiership coach handed top job

Louis Chapman Coombe 11 Feb 2025 3:42 PM

Lee Blackett premiership bath wasps — Lee Blackett watching Bath warm-up in 2023.

Bath attack coach Lee Blackett has been named as England A head coach for their upcoming Test against Ireland A later this month.

The former Wasps boss, who joined the Blue, Black and Whites as attack guru last season, served as attack coach for England A’s 38-17 win over Australia A in November, but now steps up to take the top job for the Ireland clash.

Lee Blackett heads up England A coaching ticket

Blackett is one of four coaches tasked with helping the second-string side prepare for the Ireland clash. Exeter Chiefs assistant Haydn Thomas returns as defence coach after his involvement in the victory over Australia, but the pair are now joined by Red Roses forwards coach Louis Deacon and Northampton Saints scrum coach Matt Ferguson.

Commenting on the news, Blackett said: “I was honoured to be asked to take up the role. I really enjoyed being part of the England A coaching team in the week leading up to facing Australia A last Autumn.

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“Having that opportunity to work with quality players and staff was a hugely positive experience. To be asked to lead it is something I am really excited for.”

England rugby’s executive director of performance rugby, Conor O’Shea, added: “We are excited to see Lee and Haydn continue their work with this team and provide continuity off the back of a fantastic win against Australia A in November.

“It’s brilliant to have Louis joining this outstanding coaching team, helping us to continue to align our women’s and men’s teams together with Matt Ferguson as scrum coach from Northampton Saints.

“The A team is and always will be a great development opportunity for coaches and players alike and it’s great to see Lee stepping up to head coach for this fixture, while Mark Mapletoft is with the U20 Men for the Six Nations.

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“The England A games offer a platform for emerging players in the English game and show a commitment to an ambitious, unified and winning England, as we look to inspire the next generation of England Rugby supporters. I would like to thank the clubs for their continued collaboration and the coaches for giving up their time to take this opportunity with the England A team.”

England A has proved a fantastic stepping stone between the Premiership and the England senior side since returning last season. Cadan Murley and Fin Baxter have gone on to win their maiden England caps after impressing for the A side, Tom Willis has also forced his way back into the Test side after a strong showing for England A and the likes of Henry Pollock, Greg Fisilau, Rusi Tuima and Gabe Oghre have all been drafted into senior squad training at various times as a result of their performances for England A.

Blackett’s side, who Steve Borthwick will help select, take on Ireland A on Sunday, February 23 Ashton Gate. Ticket information can be found here.