It has been reported today that Steve Borthwick is close to finalizing a deal to bring Ian Peel on board as England's forwards coach following Richard Cockerill's departure after the Six Nations.
According to RUCK sources, Peel was Borthwick's primary target when he took over as head coach from Eddie Jones in December.
Borthwick moved quickly to secure Peel's services after Cockerill accepted a job with Top 14 team Montpellier.
Peel has been involved with the national age-grade side for two years as an assistant, winning the Junior World Championship in successive years (2013 and 2014) and leading England to the 2015 U20 Six Nations title.
He also has experience coaching at National One side Tynedale and at rugby schools Sedbergh School and Barnard Castle.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Alex Lozowski and Ian Peel of Saracens is pictured during the announcement of the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby fixtures at BT Tower on July 10, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK)
Peel's expertise in set-piece defense has been instrumental in Saracens' success, and his ideas were used by Super Rugby franchise Crusaders in their final victory over the Lions in 2017.
As a player, Peel made 122 Premiership appearances for Newcastle before transitioning to coaching the Falcons' Academy side.
Marcus Smith named in Six Nations 2023 Worst XV after torrid tournament
England fly-half Marcus Smith was listed as one of the worst players at the 2023 Six Nations by a French sports newspaper.
#BACK-THREE:
15. Tommaso Allan (Italy)
14. Josh Adams (Wales)
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (England)
Ollie Hassell-Collins of England during the England Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 11 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#CENTRES:
13. George North (Wales)
12. Luca Morisi (Italy)
#HALFBACKS:
10. Marcus Smith (England)
Marcus Smith of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
9. Stephen Varney (Italy)
#FRONT-ROW:
- Wyn Jones (Wales)
2. George Turner (Scotland)
3. Mohamed Haouas (France)
#SECOND-ROW:
4. Maro Itoje (England)
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Alun Wyn Jones of Wales during the Wales Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium, London on 24 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#BACK-ROW:
6. Christ Tshiunza (Wales)
7. Ben Curry (England)
8. Alex Dombrandt (England)
Alex Dombrandt of England on the break during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
