Wigglesworth set for England as Cockerill’s departure confirmed

NEWS EXTRA

RICHARD Cockerill will leave his role as England forwards coach after the Six Nations, as revealed last week on Blindside. Saracens forwards coach Ian Peel is expected to take over from Cockerill, who is joining Montpellier.

Interim Leicester head coach Richard Wigglesworth and Tigers S&C coach Aled Walters will join the England set-up.

England boss Steve Borthwick described Wigglesworth and Walters as “outstanding coaches”, adding of the former scrumhalf: “Few people have such an in-depth, wide-ranging view and understanding of the tactical element of the game.”

Cockerill, who won 27 England caps, was the only remaining assistant coach from Eddie Jones' reign after Borthwick succeeded the Australian in December. The former England hooker joined the staff in September 2021 and said it was “an honour” to have played for and coached his country.

Harlequins' Nick Evans is serving as England's attack coach during the Six Nations and Wigglesworth may fill that role.