Tom Harrison named England’s new scrum coach for World Cup

Steve Borthwick has named Tom Harrison as England’s new scrum coach after finalising his coaching staff for the upcoming World Cup.

Harrison will follow Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters in joining the England set-up from Leicester, and is due to start work on 1 June.

Wigglesworth will lead the attack coaching and kicking strategy with Walters head of strength and conditioning. Tony Roques, the England men’s sevens head coach, will work as contact and skills coach, and Kevin Sinfield will continue as defence coach.

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“I am very pleased to confirm the England coaching team for the Rugby World Cup,” Borthwick said. “Tom is an excellent coach and will have a real impact in area that will be fundamental to us as a team. Leicester’s scrum is renowned across Europe and Tom has played a leading role in that success. I have full confidence in him and I am very happy that he will be joining England.

“Tony has an extensive background in Sevens and is an experienced, specialist contact and skills coach. Individual skill emphasis will be an important part of our work. Having worked alongside him in the 2019 campaign, I know what a good coach he is and he will really contribute to the team.

“Richard has a proven track record as a player and a player coach, and you can see what an excellent job he has done as head coach of Leicester Tigers in the past few months. He has played at World Cups and has coaching experience in 2019, and understands the unique demands of the tournament and the support that players need.”

The World Cup begins on Friday, 8 September with a match between hosts France and New