Fitness guru Jon Clarke is latest to go in England revamp… with Aled Walters set to replace him

Steve Borthwick’s revamp of the England management team has continued as fitness guru Jon Clarke is understood to have left his post, clearing the way for another Leicester recruit.

Former rugby league player Clarke, 43, joined the Red Rose in 2018 and became an integral figure in England’s run to the latest World Cup final.

However, sources have indicated sports mail that he has been released and that the arrival of Aled Walters is inevitable, even if it is not until the end of the season.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has continued his revamp of the England management team.

Walters played a key role in Leicester’s transformation into Premiership champions last season, after being part of the Springboks’ global conquest in 2019.

Speculation has not abated that the Tigers will eventually lose Welshman and interim head coach Richard Wigglesworth.

Leicester chief executive Andrea Pinchen said: “For the remainder of the season we have Richard Wigglesworth as caretaker, with Aled Walters running the program with him.”

Pinchen insisted that there were no further approaches from the RFU. Borthwick’s revamp is quickly taking shape, following the departures of Matt Proudfoot, Brett Hodgson and Danny Kerry.

Fitness trainer Jon Clarke (second from left) has been released by England as part of the shakeup

Attack coach Martin Gleeson is likely to leave soon. Richard Cockerill remains as forwards coach for now, after turning down an offer from French club Brive last month, but his future is uncertain.

Meanwhile, Leicester insist they have yet to decide on Borthwick’s replacement, despite sources saying sports mail that Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend will take over after the World Cup.

Pinchen said: ‘That final decision has not been made yet. I’m not putting a time frame because I need to make sure we get it right.

Aled Walters to join England after transforming Leicester into Premiership champions

Wales are also rebuilding and, after Warren Gatland was blocked by the WRU board in his bid to bring back Rob Howley, the signs are that he will turn to former England fly half Alex King, whom he coached at Wasps .

King left Gloucester at the end of last season, having previously worked at Montpellier, Northampton and Clermont Auvergne.

Exeter have revealed that their England hooker, Luke Cowan-Dickie, is in danger of missing part or all of the Six Nations as he is likely to need surgery on an ankle injury.