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

One could argue England have been through multiple attack coaches in recent times. The most recent selection, Lee Blackett, is the 11th individual to take on the role over a nine-year span, however, it’s possible this national team have secured the ideal catalyst to boost their chances at the next Men’s Rugby World Cup down under.

Lee Blackett, auditioned successfully during his trial in the recent matches against Argentina and the United States, which saw England notch 13 tries in three Tests. He has come out as a clear beneficiary following Steve Borthwick’s newest cabinet reshuffle, with Richard Wigglesworth switching to defence and Joe El-Abd assisting among the pack players.

Fresh from leading Bath to Premiership and European success recently, Blackett has been recruited to add further zest into the team’s offense, kicking off with their opening autumn series international versus the Wallabies this November. With approximately 20 Tests between now and the 2027 tournament, England hope for him start strongly.

Lee Blackett believes the timeframe is sufficient for England to craft an exciting backline blend, with five campaigns – end-of-year tests, the European tournament and mid-year matches – scheduled over the next two years. I believe, the schedule allows. Five stretches provide enough to assess talent, it’s enough to develop our game.”

The personable Blackett, formerly of Rotherham and Leeds prior to moving into coaching, rightly received his call-up after being forced to restart his professional path previously after the financial collapse at Wasps as their director of rugby. He remains a perceptive rugby analyst, alongside his productive union with the masterful Finn Russell at Bath was highly effective for everyone involved.

Blackett, a mood-enhancing locker-room influence, was instrumental in widening Bath’s outlook and aims to inspire players to step beyond their limits. A mental skills coach once told me that teams that claim ‘This is the way’ don’t have a progressive attitude. My biggest fear in coaching is ending up as obsolete. Hearing someone say, ‘His time is up,’ that’s what I avoid. So I’m constantly analyzing the sport, tracking its evolution and ensuring there’s nothing I’ve missed.”

A conversation alongside previous England international James Haskell further helped to remind him of his overriding coaching goal. “Hask said: ‘You always gave us confidence.’ This is precisely my intention. My goal is for athletes taking the field believing, they should running out there going, ‘If I see something, he trusts my instinct.’ We cannot afford to waste chances when they are there.”

Countless England fans might be exclaiming “at last” at this point. Because of multiple issues, until this year, England frequently lurched between different game plans repeatedly and hired a host of specialist coaches. Names such as Jones, Ella, Ed Robinson, Sam, Scott, Rory Teague, Simon, Martin, Nick plus Wigglesworth have all led the attack at some stage, if he continues through to the next World Cup, he might end up as the longest serving of all.

That will depend, ultimately, on winning matches, and he made clear the national side will not be prioritising “risky tactics” instead of victories. My approach will be whatever I feel is best to win us the game. I’ll be looking at our opponents and identify where that offer us a benefit. If you think that’s funky… I just want effective rugby to achieve victory.”

At this stage, it remains uncertain which player the national tactical general will be, as Ford, Fin and Marcus each vying for the number fly-half jersey and Owen Farrell, at present, on standby. All backline coaches or head coach invariably seeks an essential factor: ensure you’ve got skilled playmakers because they make a significant impact,” he commented.

“It’s a positive situation. Some of these players are going to be frustrated but, for me, possessing a trio pushing each other is going to make each individual. They’re all going to have to be at their best.”

At Leicester, latest defence coach, Mike Forshaw, in other news, has left his position with Leicester owing to family circumstances.