England add coach McGuigan on job share with Sale

Until the end of the season, Sale coach Byron McGuigan will work as a part of an interim position on the England coaching staff.

When on duty in England, former Scotland wing McGuigan will concentrate on the contact area and developing skills and tactics with the back three.

For their successful tour of Argentina and the United States earlier this year, McGuigan and Bath attack coach Lee Blackett were sent abroad.

With Richard Wigglesworth switching to defense, Joe El-Abd working with the forwards, and Richard Wigglesworth taking over the attack role full-time, McGuigan and Blackett are now a part of a rejigged England set-up.

Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, described Byron as a “intelligent and driven coach with a real desire to improve players.”

He understands the game well both as a coach and an international player. The impact he will have in the fall is something I’m anticipating.

“It was a huge privilege to play for the team this summer,” said McGuigan.

“I’m very appreciative of Sale’s support in allowing me to pursue this opportunity alongside my club position. It’s a fantastic opportunity to continue improving as a coach while supporting both teams.

Although McGuigan’s arrangement was delayed last year because other top-flight clubs rejected his initial proposal to split his time between the national team and Saracens, McGuigan’s appointment was later delayed.

The McGuigan coaching role is seen as a development opportunity without any potential conflict of interest, in contrast to Morrow, who has influence over the treatment of England’s centrally-contracted players and their selection issues.

After seven seasons and more than 100 appearances for Sale, McGuigan retired as a player in 2023, and he only joined them as their defense coach in November.

According to Sale rugby director of rugby, “Byron is a coach who is so recently removed from playing that he can tap into the players’ emotions and understand what they’re feeling.”

Because he hasn’t been at the coal face himself for a while, he can still inspire players’ interest.

His game intelligence, his rugby IQ, and his understanding of defensive shape, especially in the wider channels, are all excellent additions to what he inspires the lads to put their bodies on the line.

McGuigan, who was born in Namibia and raised in South Africa, won ten caps for Scotland, earning three Test tries from his mother.