England coach Richard Wigglesworth promoted to Steve Borthwick's No. 2 ahead of Autumn Nations Series
Published 14/10/2024 at 13:20 GMT+1
Richard Wigglesworth has effectively become the second in command of England’s rugby union team, following his promotion to senior assistant coach. The former scrum-half has been in charge of the team’s attack but will now take on greater responsibility ahead of the Autumn Nations Series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, working closely with head coach Steve Borthwick on match preparation.
Lozowski, Cowan-Dickie back as England start Autumn Nations Series prep
Video credit: SNTV
Richard Wigglesworth has been promoted to senior assistant coach within the England rugby union set-up, effectively making him Steve Borthwick’s No. 2.
The former scrum-half initially joined as attack coach ahead of the Rugby World Cup last year, linking up with his former Leicester Tigers boss Borthwick.
Wigglesworth has been given greater responsibility ahead of the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with England Rugby saying he will “work closely with Borthwick to develop England's overall game plan and attacking strategy and will support the head coach in day-to-day leadership and managing the coaching group”.
England’s backroom set-up has gone through a significant change since the summer tour of New Zealand, following Felix Jones’ surprise resignation as defence coach and head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters switching to Ireland.
Joe El-Abd has been recruited from Oyannax to replace Jones, while Kevin Sinfield last week extended his commitment as skills and kicking coach, albeit on a part-time basis.
Tom Harrison remains scrum coach, with Alex Strawbridge maintaining his position as assistant coach and coaching advisor.
“Coaching is my passion, and I’m eager to do whatever I can to help this talented group of players win games of rugby, consistently,” said Wigglesworth, who will remain responsible for England’s attack.
“This is an exciting time for England Rugby. Steve has created a coaching environment based on collaboration and hard work, and we are constantly evolving and growing and striving for success.”
Borthwick has described Wigglesworth as having an “emotional commitment to English rugby”, while praising his “deep knowledge of the game”.
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“We have an outstanding group of coaches, who each bring unique expertise and experience to their roles,” said Borthwick.
“Together, we’re committed to helping the team reach new heights as we prepare for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.”
England kick-off their Autumn Nations Series against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), on Saturday, November 2 at 15:10, before games against Australia, world champions South Africa and Japan.
Which Autumn Nations Series matches are on TNT Sports?
In April, it was announced that TNT Sports would broadcast every game of this year's Autumn Nations Series. Below is the full list of fixtures and UK kick-off times.
WEEK 1
November 2
- England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Scotland v Fiji, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
WEEK 2
November 8
- Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 9
- England v Australia, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Italy v Argentina, Stadio Friuli, kick-off: 17:40
- France v Japan, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 10
- Wales v Fiji, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 13:40
- Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 3
November 15
- Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 16
- Scotland v Portugal, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- England v South Africa, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- France v New Zealand, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 17
- Italy v Georgia, TBC, kick-off: 13:40
- Wales v Australia, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 4
November 22
- France v Argentina, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 23
- Ireland v Fiji, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- Italy v New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 24
- Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 13:40
- England v Japan, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 5
November 30
- Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- - -
Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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