Former All Black gets England coaching gig

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In a major coup for the new England coaching regime, head coach Steve Borthwick has added one of New Zealand rugby’s top backline exports to his staff.

Harlequins coach and former flyhalf Nick Evans will join England as an attack coach for the 2023 Six Nations, the RFU announced on Friday.

The tournament will be England’s first under Borthwick, who recently replaced the sacked Eddie Jones.

But while ex-England captain Borthwick is set to lead England at this year’s World Cup in France after being appointed on a five-year deal, former All Blacks star Evans’ appointment is just for the Six Nations, which starts in February.

“I am delighted that Nick is joining our team ahead of the Six Nations,” said Borthwick in a RFU statement. “Nick brings with him a wealth of different experiences as a player and coach, which will be incredibly valuable to the growth of our team.”

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Borthwick, a 43-year-old former lock, added: “I know that Nick understands the pride and responsibility that comes with representing your country.”

However, England’s governing RFU refused to confirm on Friday if Martin Gleeson, an attack coach under Jones, was still on the payroll.

Earlier this week, Matt Proudfoot left his role as forwards coach, with Brett Hodgson and Danny Kerry also exiting the backroom staff ahead of England’s Six Nations opener at home to Scotland on 4 February.

Evans, who appeared in 16 Tests for the All Blacks, is widely credited with developing the career of Quins and England flyhalf Marcus Smith.

The 42-year-old Kiwi played in more than 200 matches for the club and helped the Londoners win the European Challenge Cup in 2011 and the English Premiership title the following year.

He moved into coaching in 2017, becoming Quins’ attack coach, helping the club win the Premiership in 2021 with dashing, free-flowing rugby.

Harlequins, in a separate statement, said Friday that with off weeks of the Six Nations falling on the weekends of club matches, Evans would return part-time during the Championship ahead of Premiership fixtures against Gloucester and Exeter.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Ross Land/Getty Images

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Devin Hermanus