England 'A ' coaches confirmed for Argentina XV fixture

Head coach Mark Mapletoft has selected his coaching staff for England Men's 'A' vs. Argentina XV this November.  

England 'A' open their campaign in a month's time at The Rec, Bath on Friday 6th November.

Mapletoft will continue to be supported by James Lightfoot Brown (attack coach), Adam Powell (defence coach), James Craig (forwards coach) and Nathan Catt (scrum coach).  

Lightfoot Brown, Powell and Craig were all involved in last season's meetings with All Blacks XV, Spain and Ireland XV and continue their coaching development with the union this autumn. Pathway scrum coach Catt has also previously been involved in the 'A' set-up against Australia 'A' and Spain in 2024 and 2025, respectively. 

The fixture forms part of the England ‘A’ 2026/27 programme, providing an important opportunity for players and coaches from the England pathway and Gallagher PREM to represent their country in the senior Test environment and continue their development within the pathway. 

Former England U18 and Sevens international James Lightfoot Brown will take charge of the England ‘A’ attack, adding to his role with Gloucester Rugby where he has been part of the coaching cohort since arriving from London Irish in 2023.  

Saracens' Adam Powell re-joins the England ‘A’ set-up and will continue to coordinate the side's defensive principles. A former England Saxons representative, he started out in coaching with Newcastle Red Bulls and has since continued his development within the north Londoners' academy and senior set-up. 

An England Saxons tourist to South Africa in 2016, James Craig has risen through the academy and senior coaching ranks at Northampton Saints and earned his third league title with the club in June. 

Nathan Catt, whose coaching accolades include winners' medals from both the 2024 World Rugby Junior World Championship and the 2025 Rugby World Cup, resumes his collaboration with Mapletoft having recently led on defence and set-piece coaching on the England U18 Men's tour to South Africa.  

Further information on squad selection and fixture broadcasters will be communicated in due course.   

On the coach selection, Mark Mapletoft said: "It’s always a real privilege to be involved with England ‘A’ and we’ve assembled an exciting coaching group who will bring a great mix of knowledge and experience into the environment. 

"We've maintained a consistent approach in our staffing for this game, and it is just reward for these coaches' immense, impactful contributions across the programme last season. 

"Argentina XV will provide us with a strong challenge and exactly the type of test we want for this group of coaches and players. These fixtures are an important opportunity to step into an England environment, challenge at a high level and show what they can do. 

"We’re looking forward to bringing the group together, creating a positive environment and preparing properly for what should be a really competitive fixture." 

England Men’s ‘A’ coaching staff for Argentina XV fixture 

Mark Mapletoft – Head Coach, England Rugby 

James Lightfoot Brown – Attack Coach, Gloucester Rugby  

Adam Powell – Defence Coach, Saracens 

James Craig – Forwards Coach, Northampton Saints  

Nathan Catt – Scrum Coach, England Rugby 

England Men’s ‘A’ confirmed 2026/27 fixtures 

England Men’s A vs. Argentina XV – Friday 6th November 2026 – The Recreation Ground, Bath, 19:45 GMT kick-off 

England Men’s A vs. Ireland XV – Saturday 20th February 2027 – Sandy Park, Exeter, 19:00 GMT kick-off 

England Men’s A vs. Chile – Friday 26th February 2027 – Kingsholm, Gloucester, 19:45 GMT kick-off