Wigglesworth promoted to Senior Assistant Coach for England
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England Rugby can confirm that Richard Wigglesworth has been promoted to senior assistant coach.
The 41-year-old, who initially joined the coaching set-up as an assistant to head coach Steve Borthwick, overseeing the team’s attack, has taken on greater responsibility with the England Men's Senior Team ahead of the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series.
Wigglesworth will work closely with Borthwick to develop England's overall game plan and attacking strategy and will support the head coach in day-to-day leadership and managing the coaching group.
“Richard’s deep knowledge of the game and his excellent tactical understanding means he has become a key figure in our coaching team,” said Borthwick.
“He 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.”
Wigglesworth, a renowned former scrum-half with over 300 Premiership appearances and 33 England caps, and an integral part of the England coaching setup since joining ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, commented:
“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. Steve has created a coaching environment based on collaboration and hard work, and we are constantly evolving and growing and striving for success.”
In addition to Wigglesworth’s promotion, England Rugby confirms the full coaching team set-up:
• 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
Stepping 🆙
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 14, 2024
Congratulations on the new appointment, @rwiggy9 👏
Borthwick added: “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 welcome New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 2 November (kick-off 3.10pm) for their first match of the Autumn Nations Series, before taking on Australia, South Africa and Japan.