Steve Borthwick completes his England backroom staff as Tom Harrison and Tony Roques join
Steve Borthwick completes his backroom staff in England as Leicester scrum guru Tom Harrison and national Sevens head coach Tony Roques join in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup
- Tom Garrison was acquired by England after Ian Peel opted to remain with Saracens
- Tony Roques spent time in camp with the team before the last World Cup
- Richard Wigglesworth will also oversee attack and kick strategy
Steve Borthwick has finally finished assembling his England management squad for the World Cup, with the signing of Leicester scrum guru Tom Harrison and national Sevens head coach Tony Roques.
With the Red Rose side starting tournament preparations next month, it has also been confirmed that Richard Wigglesworth will oversee attacking and kicking strategy following his arrival at the end of the season from the Tigers.
He and Aled Walters, the East Midlands club’s renowned strength and conditioning expert, will work alongside Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield, who moved from Welford Road to Twickenham late last year.
Reflecting on Harrison’s acquisition – after Ian Peel chose to remain at Saracens – Borthwick said: ‘Tom is an excellent coach and will make a real impact in an area that will be fundamental to us. The Leicester scrum is famous all over Europe and Tom has played a leading role in that success. I have complete confidence in him.’
Roques spent time in the camp with England before the last World Cup and will be involved again, with Borthwick adding: ‘Tony has an extensive background in Sevens and is an experienced specialist contact and skills coach.
Steve Borthwick has completed his staff in England’s backroom ahead of the Rugby World Cup
Tom Garrison (above) was acquired by England after Ian Peel opted to stay with Saracens
Tony Roques spent time with the team before the last World Cup and will be involved again
‘The emphasis on individual skills will be an important part of our work. I worked with him in the 2019 campaign, I know what a good coach he is and he will really contribute to the team.”
Borthwick assessed the overall composition of the coaching staff and expressed delight and optimism at the chance to surround himself with complementary well-known figures.
“I am happy with the balance and the broad experience that the coaching staff will have,” he said.
‘As a group we know each other well and we know what we are going to focus on. We know this World Cup will be very competitive, but we are genuinely excited about what this group of coaches and players can achieve in France.”