Steve Borthwick adds new coach to his England backroom staff

The 36-year-old, who became Sale’s defence coach less than a year ago, recently worked with England during their victorious summer tour to Argentina and the United States, assisting Joe El-Abd on defensive duties.

That role mirrored his remit at Sale, where assumed the role of defensive coach last season after retiring as a player in 2023, following over 100 appearances for the club.

Since then, Borthwick has reshaped his coaching structure: Richard Wigglesworth has taken charge of defence, Lee Blackett has joined from Bath permanently to lead the attack, and El-Abd has shifted focus to the forwards. If terms are agreed, McGuigan’s involvement would centre on England’s work at the collision area.

During his short time on Sale’s staff, McGuigan has overseen some standout defensive performances, including a 38-0 shutout against Bristol at Ashton Gate and limiting Saracens to a single try in a crucial league win last April. Originally from Namibia and raised in South Africa, McGuigan earned 10 caps for Scotland—through his mother’s heritage—and scored three tries at Test level.

Speaking before Sale’s recent Premiership Rugby Cup match with Bristol Bears, Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said of McGuigan, “He’s got ambitions to coach international rugby now, I think he realises that he can. It’s up to us as a group to help facilitate what his dream is down the line.”