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.’
#1. Michael Cheika
The Telegraph reports that the narrowing shortlist features current Argentina boss Cheika prominently.
