England Strengthening Coaching Ranks With Blackett And McGuigan For Summer Tour

With the hiring of Lee Blackett and Byron McGuigan, England Rugby has strengthened its coaching staff in preparation for the forthcoming summer tour to Argentina and the United States.

Steve Borthwick's setup will be affected by the additions as Richard Wigglesworth joins the coaching staff of the British and Irish Lions for their tour of Australia.

England's attack coach will be temporarily replaced by Lee Blackett, the coach of Bath's attack. Due in large part to Blackett's contribution to Bath's free-flowing style this season, Bath leads the Gallagher Premiership table with 568 points, which is almost 50 more than the next-best team.

Blackett is considered one of the Premiership's most promising coaches, along with McGuigan. Successful periods with Rotherham Titans, Wasps, and the Scarlets are among Blackett’s experiences. He most recently played in England's "A" victory over Australia's "A" and Ireland's "A."

Joe El-Abd brings on Byron McGuigan, who is the defense coach of the Sale Sharks, as an assistant defense coach. McGuigan, a former Scotland player, has assisted Sale in creating one of the Premiership's strongest defenses, giving up less points than nearly every other team this year. Following a stellar playing career that included over 100 appearances for Sale, he made the move to coaching.

A larger strategy to increase coaching depth during a time when many senior players and coaches are dedicated to Lions duties is thought to be behind the hiring of Blackett and McGuigan. Following the end of the tour, both coaches will head back to their clubs.

A Test match against the United States is scheduled for July 19 in Washington, after England's summer schedule comprises two Test matches versus Argentina on July 5 and July 12. Following a strong Six Nations showing, England hopes to maintain tactical adaptability and squad depth going forward with a new backroom staff.