Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters are set to join the England Men’s coaching staff at the conclusion of the season.
Wigglesworth, who will serve as assistant coach, and Walters, the newly appointed head of strength and conditioning, are coming from Leicester Tigers. They will work under Steve Borthwick and the rest of the coaching staff in preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Wigglesworth enjoyed a decorated playing career. He was capped 33 times for England, making his debut in the 2008 Six Nations against Wales, and featured at two Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015.
He made 449 Premiership appearances for Sale Sharks, Saracens and Leicester Tigers – winning three European Champions Cups and seven Premiership titles in a 20-year career.
In 2019, Wigglesworth also began undertaking coaching work and was Canada’s defence and kicking coach at that year’s Rugby World Cup. He took up the additional role of attack coach with Leicester Tigers, alongside playing, upon his move there in 2020.
He was named Leicester Tigers interim head coach in December 2022, following Borthwick’s appointment as England head coach, and he immediately retired from his playing career.
Walters also joins from Leicester Tigers, where he is head of physical performance. He joined the club in 2020, after being part of the management team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup with South Africa. He has worked in rugby for 18 years, with roles at Scarlets, Taranaki and the ACT Brumbies before spending six years at Munster.
“Richard and Aled are two outstanding coaches in their fields who I know very well,” said Borthwick. “Richard has been a proven winner throughout his playing career and has carried this into his coaching career.
“He already has international coaching experience from the 2019 Rugby World Cup, alongside a hugely successful playing career, and has amassed a wealth of knowledge. Few people have such an in depth, wide-ranging view and understanding of the tactical element of the game.
“He is a proud Englishman who has represented his country and is desperate to see us win, he will show he really cares about this team.
Borthwick added: “Aled is an excellent performance coach who had an incredible impact with the Rugby World Cup holders, South Africa. Wherever he has worked, players improve. I have never met anyone who is able to get more out of players than he does.”
Four England players might get their last chance to impress Steve Borthwick
England face Italy in the second round of the 2023 Six Nations on Sunday afternoon at Twickenham.
It could prove to be the last chance for a number of players to save their international careers.
#1. Jonny Hill
Age: 28
Position: Lock
Caps: 13
A favorite of Eddie Jones, the Sale Sharks lock is in danger of losing his place on the England squad due to the emergence of Leicester Tigers’ Ollie Chessum.
With Courtney Lawes returning from injury, Hill may have one last chance to prove himself if he can displace Maro Itoje from the team.
Hill was omitted from the Scotland game last weekend and hopes to at least make the bench against Azzurri.
Getting back into the England set-up will not be easy, as Northampton Saints’ David Ribbans is also playing well.
Fun fact: Hill is the nephew of former Rugby league international Paul Loughlin.
