Attack coach Blackett joins England on permanent basis

England have brought Bath’s Lee Blackett into their coaching set-up on a permanent basis in the latest rejig of Steve Borthwick’s staff.

Blackett, who oversaw Premiership champions Bath’s title-winning attack last season, was seconded to England for their Test series win in Argentina this summer.

He will now continue his work with England’s attack full-time as Richard Wigglesworth, who coached the British and Irish Lions attack in Australia this summer, moves across to take charge of defence.

Joe El-Abd, who only took over the defence role in October after the abrupt departure of Felix Jones, will work with the forwards.

“Lee brings great experience and has, for several years, been widely regarded as one of the country’s top attack coaches,” said head coach Borthwick.

“His teams play fast, exciting rugby that consistently look to score tries.

“His work with England over the summer further demonstrated his ability to drive the development of our attack in the manner and style already built by Richard Wigglesworth.

“Richard has done an excellent job over the past three years shaping our attack from where it was to where it is now.

“He and I had previously had a general discussion about whether he could switch his focus to the critical area of defence. After the summer tours, it made sense for him to move into that role – provided Lee could join full-time to run the attack.”

“It’s a huge honour to join the England coaching team,” said Blackett, who will formally switch to England after Bath’s Prem opener against Harlequins on 26 September, but will take part in England’s three-day training camp starting on Sunday.

“The current England squad is full of talent and enthusiasm, with quality and depth from one to 15. I can’t wait to work with these players, and to see what we can achieve.”

Blackett joined Bath in 2023 after more than seven years at free-scoring Wasps and a short stint with Welsh side Scarlets.

Bath scored 96 tries en route to topping the Premiership regular-season standings last term, with Blackett working under head coach Johann van Graan.

“Lee has been such an important part of our journey since his arrival at Bath and we’ve all created amazing memories together,” said Van Graan.

“On behalf of the players, staff and everyone involved in the blue, black and white, we wish Lee the very best as he moves into coaching at international level.”

In addition to his work with the senior side in Argentina, Blackett also was part of England A coaching staff who guided the second-string side to wins over their Australian and Irish counterparts last season.

Elsewhere, New Zealander Andrew Strawbridge will leave his role concentrating on the contact area after the autumn internationals.

Tom Harrison continues as scrum coach with Kevin Sinfield, who changed his mind over an intention to leave the set-up in 2024, staying on in a mentoring, kicking and individual skills role.

Steve Borthwick – head coach

Richard Wigglesworth – senior assistant coach (defence)

Lee Blackett – assistant coach (attack)

Kevin Sinfield – assistant coach (kicking and skills)

Tom Harrison – assistant coach (scrum)

Joe El-Abd – assistant coach (forwards)