England: Steve Borthwick reveals coaching staff with key assistant promoted
Richard Wigglesworth has been promoted to England senior assistant coach.
England Rugby have announced current attack coach Richard Wigglesworth will now be promoted to senior assistant coach, becoming Steve Borthwick’s official right-hand man.
Wigglesworth was a player-coach under Borthwick at Leicester Tigers and later joined his England staff for the 2023 World Cup as attack coach.
Richard Wigglesworth promoted to Borthwick’s right-hand man
As part of his promotion, Wigglesworth will take on greater responsibility within the England set-up for the November Tests, including helping develop England’s overall game plan and attacking strategy.
Commenting on the promotion, England head coach Borthwick said: “Richard’s deep knowledge of the game and his excellent tactical understanding means he has become a key figure in our coaching team.”
He added: “He (Wigglesworth) shares our emotional commitment to English rugby, and I am certain he will play a crucial role in driving the standards of this England team. I am delighted he has agreed to take on this new challenge.”
The former scrum-half, who amassed over 300 Premiership appearances during his playing career, also commented on his promotion, saying: “Coaching is my passion, and I’m eager to do whatever I can to help this talented group of players win games of rugby, consistently.”
“This is an exciting time for England Rugby,” he continued. “Steve has created a coaching environment based on collaboration and hard work, and we are constantly evolving and growing and striving for success.”
England coaching line-up confirmed
The promotion of Wigglesworth also now confirms England’s coaching group moving forward. The ex-scrum-half will serve as Borthwick’s right-hand man, with the aforementioned El-Abd taking over the defensive duties. Tom Harrison will take the post of scrum coach, with Kevin Sinfield acting as skills and kicking coach. Andrew Strawbridge is also named as an assistant coach.
Felix Jones will remain as part of the coaching group but will be working remotely during this block.
Commenting on his new-look staff, Borthwick said: “We have an outstanding group of coaches, who each bring unique expertise and experience to their roles. Together, we’re committed to helping the team reach new heights as we prepare for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.”
England coaching line-up in full
• Steve Borthwick – head coach
• Richard Wigglesworth – senior assistant coach (attack)
• Joe El-Abd – assistant coach (defence)
• Tom Harrison – assistant coach (scrum)
• Kevin Sinfield – assistant coach (skills & kicking)
• Andrew Strawbridge – assistant coach & coaching advisor