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Steve Borthwick takes his first big step as England manager by appointing Harlequins assistant Nick Evans as his chief of attack… but the former All Black will return to his club after the conclusion of the 2023 Six Nations
Steve Borthwick has made his first big move as England head coach by appointing Nick Evans as his chief of attack for the 2023 Six Nations.
But bringing in the current Harlequins assistant and former fly-half will only be a short-term solution for Borthwick, as Evans will return to his club at the end of the Championship.
The imminent addition of Evans to the England camp raises questions about the future of Martin Gleeson, the attacking coach Borthwick inherited when he succeeded the sacked Eddie Jones last month.
Steve Borthwick has added Nick Evans to his coaching staff as Six Nations head of attack
England declined to confirm on Friday whether Gleeson has moved on or will be part of Borthwick’s squad preparing for their first Six Nations match with Scotland on February 4.
“I’m delighted that Nick will join our team ahead of the Six Nations,” said Borthwick.
Evans brings a lot of international experience to the England setup
‘Nick brings with him a lot of different experiences as a player and coach that will be incredibly valuable to the growth of our team.
‘I know Nick understands the pride and responsibility that comes with representing your country.
“Our aim is to build an England team that our nation can be proud of and I know our fans will be very excited about what Nick can bring to our side.
“We would like to especially thank Harlequins for their support in allowing Nick to work with us during this period. He is a great example of club and country working together.’
Evans will return to work at Quins during the slow weeks in the Six Nations.
The New Zealander has helped the London side play an entertaining brand of rugby that won them the Premiership title in 2021.
Evans is hoping to make a similar impact with England, whose attacking game struggled badly in the autumn in what turned out to be Jones’s final season in charge.
Borthwick was appointed as Eddie Jones’ successor in charge of England on 19 December.
Former England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has also left Borthwick’s setup.
Harlequins director of performance Billy Millard said: “This is an incredible opportunity for Nick, where he will learn and grow so much that it can only be good for the club.”
“I am also confident that he will provide Steve and the gaming group with excellent support and guidance during the 2023 Six Nations period.”
Former England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot (L) has also left Borthwick’s setup.