New Zealand coach Andrew Strawbridge is set to join England’s coaching group as a consultant for the initial four weeks of the Six Nations tournament. The 59-year-old previously served as a skills consultant with the All Blacks during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Strawbridge’s rugby career began as a player at Waikato before transitioning into coaching. He held senior coaching roles at the National Provincial level, spending two seasons with North Harbour in 2003 and three seasons with Auckland from 2009. During this period, he contributed to the coaching set-up that led the New Zealand Under 20’s to secure two world titles.
In the 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby campaigns, Strawbridge served as an assistant coach for the Chiefs, contributing to back-to-back championship victories. He gained international recognition in 2015 when he became the Technical Advisor for Manu Samoa.
Returning to Waikato in 2019, Strawbridge took on the role of head coach for two years before transitioning to director of rugby in 2021. In 2022, he joined the All Blacks as a skills consultant, continuing his involvement with the national team throughout 2023, including their journey to the Rugby World Cup final.
Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, expressed excitement about Strawbridge’s addition to the coaching team, citing his extensive experience and success in Super Rugby and international rugby, particularly with the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Borthwick highlighted Strawbridge’s reputation in player development and his expertise in the contact area, emphasizing the valuable contributions he is expected to make.
As part of the coaching reshuffle, Felix Jones, the incoming assistant coach, will be responsible for England’s defense, having previously contributed to South Africa’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs. Kevin Sinfield will shift to coaching individual skills and kickers, while Richard Wigglesworth will continue as the attack coach, and Tom Harrison will remain in charge of the scrum.
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