Borthwick finalises coaching staff for Rugby World Cup in September; Tom Harrison joins as scrum coach following successful stint in same role at Leicester Tigers; rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield continues as defence coach after backroom reshuffle
Last Updated: 07/05/23 1:10pm
England rugby union head coach Steve Borthwick (PA Images)
Steve Borthwick has named Tom Harrison as England’s new scrum coach as he finalised his staff for this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.
Harrison will follow Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters in joining the England set-up from Leicester Tigers, and is due to start work on June 1.
Wigglesworth will lead the attack coaching and kicking strategy, with Walters head of strength and conditioning.
Tony Roques, the England men’s sevens head coach, will work as contact and skills coach, and Kevin Sinfield will continue as defence coach.
The appointment of Tigers assistant coach Harrison is the eye-catching one. He was part of the coaching team that won the Gallagher Premiership under Borthwick last season, along with Wigglesworth and Walters.
Borthwick said: “I am very pleased to confirm the England coaching team for the Rugby World Cup.
“Tom is an excellent coach and will have a real impact in area that will be fundamental to us as a team. Leicester’s scrum is renowned across Europe and Tom has played a leading role in that success. I have full confidence in him and I am very happy that he will be joining England.”
Harrison becomes the latest Leicester coach to become part of Borthwick’s team, as England look to improve their work in the scrum following a disappointing Six Nations campaign.
Borthwick is confid …