Andrew Strawbridge joins England on permanent basis

Steve Borthwick has made assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge a permanent addition to his England set-up.

The former All Blacks assistant acted as a consultant for part of England’s third-place finish in the Six Nations earlier this year, and will now join the Red Rose summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.

Head coach Borthwick has been on the hunt for a long-term replacement for Kevin Sinfield, who will leave the England ranks after the summer tour.

Strawbridge, 59, represents the right fit for an experienced, guiding hand in the background of his backroom staff.

“Andrew made a huge impression during the time he spent with us at this year’s Six Nations,” said Borthwick. “From the moment he walked into the environment I was hugely impressed with his attention to detail, the clarity of his coaching philosophy and the different perspectives he has on the game.

“His extensive coaching experience in Super Rugby and the international arena, as well as his expertise in player development, complements our existing coaching group well.”

Strawbridge helped New Zealand reach the 2023 World Cup final, having coached previously with the Chiefs, Waikato and Samoa.

The most experienced member of England’s new-look coaching set-up, Strawbridge offers a different perspective in Borthwick’s backroom line-up, acting almost as a de facto mentor to young but highly accomplished and regarded assistants Felix Jones and Richard Wigglesworth.

The Kiwi coach will take a specific focus on the attacking contact area, but will also support the other assistants in their development.

Former Ireland full-back Jones was integral to South Africa’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs, forming a strong part of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks set-up.

At just 36 years old, defence specialist Jones remains in his tender coaching years, however, while attack coach Richard Wigglesworth does not turn 41 until June. England’s ruck speed improved markedly during the Six Nations, with their overall pace of attacking play increasing as a result.

Borthwick will hope that Strawbridge’s long-term addition will continue to boost England’s reshaped attack, with the Six Nations performances offering a tantalising glimpse into an exciting new approach.

“I am immensely proud to be involved in the England coaching group and look forward to playing a part in helping the team achieve its goals,” said Strawbridge. “I really appreciate the opportunity Steve has afforded me to contribute.”