Steve Borthwick is set to overhaul England's backroom staff as he prepares for his first Six Nations campaign, with the new head coach looking beyond Leicester for attacking reinforcements. Borthwick has already appointed Kevin Sinfield as defence coach and is expected to retain Richard Cockerill as forwards coach, but the futures of scrum coach Matt Proudfoot and recently arrived Brett Hodgson are uncertain.
England's try-scoring record against top nations has declined this year, prompting Borthwick to seek a fresh attacking edge ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Rugby Football Union has confirmed ongoing discussions about the coaching setup, with Borthwick aiming to build a long-term group 'with growth in us'.
Among potential attack coaches, Northampton's Sam Vesty is a strong homegrown candidate, but Harlequins' Nick Evans is reportedly top of England's wish list. The former All Blacks fly-half has a good relationship with Marcus Smith and Alex Dombrandt, top-level Test experience, and is based near Twickenham. However, Evans signed a contract extension with Quins 10 months ago.
World Rugby has expressed sadness at the death of former Ivory Coast international Max Brito at age 54. Brito was left paralysed after an injury in the 1995 World Cup pool match against Tonga.
