England in talks to add Sale’s McGuigan to staff

After talks with Sale to bring in the 36-year-old, Byron McGuigan might become Steve Borthwick’s England coaching staff.

McGuigan worked with Joe El-Abd on defense while he was a seconded to England for their successful summer tour of Argentina and the United States.

However, Borthwick has since changed his backroom, with El-Abd taking over the forward duties, senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth taking over the defense, and Lee Blackett joining from Prem champions Bath to oversee the attack.

Although negotiations are still in the offing, McGuigan would focus on the collision scene with England.

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.

Under Sale’s leadership, Bristol was held scoreless in a 38-0 victory at Ashton Gate and was held to just one try in a crucial April victory.