Steve Borthwick, the former head coach of the Leicester Tigers, will assist in finding his successor at the Premiership title holders.
He left the club on December 19th to take over as England’s head coach, with Richard Wigglesworth serving as interim coach until the end of the season.
Borthwick has helped to compile a shortlist of potential permanent replacements, and Chief Executive Andrea Pinchen stated, “Who better to ask than Steve Borthwick? I am not the rugby brain of this organization, but I’ve got this rugby brain like Steve, so why wouldn’t I try to make the most of that.
“I asked if he would be willing, not to choose his successor, but to be part of a process where I could put names in front of him to get his opinion on their coaching ability and references if he has worked with them before.
“It was really key for me to make sure that I got as much information as I can. He was extremely helpful and said yes immediately. He wants to leave Leicester in a good position.”
Pinchen added: ‘That final decision has not yet been made. We’ve spoken to a number of people. We’re still in motion with our plan. I’m not putting a time-frame on it because what I need to make sure we get it right.’
Asked about any further approaches from the RFU, she added: ‘I’ve had absolutely nothing. It was initially about Steve (Borthwick), then it became about Steve and Kev (Sinfield), and they’re the only conversations I had with the RFU.’
INCOMING COACHES:
#1. Richard Wigglesworth
Currently in temporary charge, the Premiership’s record appearance holder will be hoping he can make a positive impression between now and the end of the season.
According to The Rugby Paper, Wigglesworth will be given time by the Tigers to prove that he can fill the boots of Steve Borthwick permanently after being handed temporary control of first-team affairs.
Wigglesworth has won seven titles, including starting at scrum-half in the 21/22 final, and is the only player in league history to make more than 300 appearances in the English competition.
In addition to seven Premierships, he has won three European Champions Cups.
Wigglesworth previously represented Sale Sharks and Saracens, as well as making 33 Test appearances for England which included back-to-back Rugby World Cup campaigns in 2011 and 2015.
Ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Wigglesworth was appointed to the Canada national team’s staff.
During his penultimate and final season as a player with Saracens, Wigglesworth balanced his playing role with coaching duties with Championship club Ealing Trailfinders.