Zero ‘Unorthodox Rugby’ from New England Men’s Rugby Coach the New Attack Specialist

To say England have seen several attack coaches in recent times. The most recent choice, Lee Blackett, is the 11th person to take on the role over a nine-year span, however, it’s possible this national team may have discovered an excellent catalyst to improve their prospects during the upcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The 42-year-old, demonstrated his ability during his trial on the summer tour of Argentina and the US, which saw England notch 13 tries across three games. He has come out as the standout success amid Steve Borthwick’s recent backroom changes, while Richard Wigglesworth transitions to the defensive role with Joe El-Abd supporting in the forward pack.

Coming off helping to steer Bath to domestic glory and Challenge Cup titles recently, England enlisted Blackett to add further zest to the national side’s attack, kicking off with their first autumn series international against Australia next month. With about 20 Tests ahead of RWC 2027, England will be keen so he can make an immediate impact.

Lee Blackett is confident there is more than enough time for the team to develop a compelling backline combination, with five campaigns – November fixtures, the European tournament and mid-year matches – ahead over the next two years. In my view, we’ve got enough time. Five campaigns are enough to assess talent, they are sufficient to build our attack.”

The personable Blackett, formerly of Rotherham and Leeds before turning to coaching, rightly received the national role after being forced to resurrect his professional path previously after the financial collapse with Wasps as their director of rugby. He has always been a sharp-eyed student of the game, with his innovative collaboration with expert Finn Russell with the West Country club was highly effective for everyone involved.

Blackett, a mood-enhancing dressing-room presence, played a key role in widening Bath’s outlook and aims to inspire players to venture outside their comfort zone. An expert mentioned to me that those environments stating ‘We do it like this’ don’t have a growth mindset. What I dread most in this job is turning into a dinosaur. Hearing someone say, ‘His time is up,’ that’s my big fear. So I’m constantly analyzing the sport, seeing where it’s going and checking whether there’s nothing I’ve missed.”

An informal discussion with ex- England international James Haskell further reiterated of his primary team philosophy. “Hask said: ‘We always felt confidence.’ That is what my intention. I expect the squad running out confident, I hope they competing going, ‘When opportunities arise, he supports me.’ We cannot afford to let openings slip if they emerge.”

Any number of England fans are likely cheering “finally” upon hearing this. Due to various factors, until this year, England have tended to jumped from one attacking philosophy to the next and used a host of specialist coaches. Previous coaches like Jones, Ella, Ed, Vesty, Wisemantel, Teague, Simon Amor, Gleeson, Nick Evans and Richard Wigglesworth have all led the backs at some stage, should Blackett remain until the 2027 World Cup, he would become the most enduring among them.

Success, however, on performance outcomes, with Blackett stressing the national side won’t focus on “flashy play” over winning matches. I will choose any strategy works best to win us the game. I will analyze our opponents and where I feel that offer us an edge. In case that seems as creative rugby… I am only interested in effective rugby to get the result.”

As yet, it remains unclear who exactly the team’s director is going to be, including George, Fin Smith and Marcus all competing to wear the fly-half jersey and Owen Farrell, at present, available as an option. “Any attack coach or head coach invariably seeks one key thing: ensure you have good 10s since they provide such a big difference,” he commented.

“It’s a positive situation. Some of the guys are going to be frustrated yet I believe, fielding three options battling it out should elevate them better. They’re all going to have to raise their game.”

Leicester’s, recently appointed defence coach, Mike Forshaw, separately, has departed the job with Leicester owing to family circumstances.