England bring in NZ’s Strawbridge for Six Nations coaching stint

New Zealand’s Andrew Strawbridge will join England coach Steve Borthwick’s backroom staff for the first few weeks of the Six Nations, the Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday. The 59-year-old, a skills consultant to the All Blacks side that finished runners-up at last year’s World Cup, will be a consultant coach for matches against Italy, Wales and Scotland in February.

England also face Ireland and France the following month. Strawbridge helped the New Zealand Under-20s secure two world titles and was an assistant coach when the Waikato Chiefs won successive Super Rugby titles, in 2012 and 2013. After a spell with Samoa, he returned to Waikato in 2019 as head coach, a position he held for two years before becoming director of rugby in 2021.

“Andrew is another coach with a wealth of knowledge,” said Borthwick, who has already added Felix Jones, fresh from helping South Africa win back-toback World Cup titles, to his staff. “He (Strawbridge) has worked extensively and successfully in Super Rugby and international rugby, most recently with New Zealand to help them to the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“Andrew has an incredible reputation in player development and has helped a large number of players progress to be amongst the best in the world. His work around the contact area is incredibly highly regarded, ensuring teams have the quick ball needed to launch a threatening attack.”

Jones will be responsible for England’s defence with Kevin Sinfield, Borthwick’s longtime assistant, moving to coaching individual skills and the kickers. Richard Wigglesworth continues as attack coach and Tom Harrison remains in charge of the scrum.