### England Rugby Enhances Coaching Team Ahead of Summer Tour In a strategic move to bolster their coaching capabilities, England's head coach Steve Borthwick has appointed Lee Blackett and Byron McGuigan to the coaching staff for the upcoming summer tour. This decision comes as England prepares for crucial fixtures against Argentina and the USA in July 2025. Blackett, currently the attack coach at Bath, and McGuigan, an assistant coach at Sale, are expected to bring fresh energy and expertise honed in the Gallagher Premiership to the national team [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/blackett-mcguigan-join-england-coaching-171619997.html][https://sports.yahoo.com/article/england-strengthening-coaching-ranks-blackett-132246831.html]. ### Breakdown of Coaching Changes and Their Implications 1. **New Appointments**: - Lee Blackett joins as the attack coach. - Byron McGuigan takes on the role of assistant defence coach. 2. **Strategic Importance**: - The appointments aim to inject new ideas and strategies into the team ahead of significant international matches. - Both coaches have extensive experience in the Premiership, which is expected to enhance the team's performance. 3. **Upcoming Fixtures**: - England will face Argentina and the USA in July 2025, making these appointments timely for preparation. - The matches are crucial for England's international standing and development. 4. **Coaching Philosophy**: - Borthwick's decision reflects a commitment to evolving the coaching structure to adapt to modern rugby challenges. - The integration of Blackett and McGuigan is seen as a move to leverage their successful coaching backgrounds in the Premiership. ### Evidence of Coaching Impact and Background - **Lee Blackett**: - Formerly the head coach at Wasps, Blackett has a reputation for developing attacking play and fostering young talent. - **Byron McGuigan**: - Known for his defensive strategies, McGuigan has been instrumental in Sale's recent successes, particularly in their defensive organization. - **Recent Performance Metrics**: - Under their guidance, both Bath and Sale have shown significant improvements in their respective areas, indicating their potential impact on the national team. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for England Rugby In summary, the addition of Lee Blackett and Byron McGuigan to England's coaching staff is a strategic enhancement aimed at improving the team's performance ahead of critical summer fixtures. 1. **New Coaching Roles**: Blackett and McGuigan bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives. 2. **Focus on Upcoming Matches**: Their expertise is particularly relevant as England prepares for matches against Argentina and the USA. 3. **Long-term Vision**: This move aligns with Borthwick's vision of evolving the coaching framework to meet the demands of international rugby. The integration of these coaches is expected to yield positive results as England seeks to strengthen its position in the international rugby landscape [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-14655691/England-add-highly-rated-Premiership-coaches-Lee-Blackett-Byron-McGuigan-Steve-Borthwicks-team-summer-tour-Argentina-USA.html][https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2025/04/28/steve-borthwick-england-coaches-lee-blackett-byron-mcguigan][https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/england-coaches-argentina-lee-blackett-byron-mcguigan-borthwick-b2740872.html][https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/blackett-and-mcguigan-join-england-coaching-group-for-summer-tour][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3362546-blackett-and-mcguigan-new-additions-to-englands-coaching-team-for-tour].