What's happened
England Rugby is undergoing significant coaching changes as Felix Jones and Aled Walters resign ahead of the Autumn Nations Series. Head coach Steve Borthwick is now tasked with finding replacements while maintaining team stability. The exits come as England prepares for crucial matches against top-tier teams.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Duncan Bech from The Independent highlights the surprise nature of the coaching changes, noting Borthwick's disappointment but emphasizing the stability of the remaining staff. He states, 'There’s also a lot of people that want to be here,' indicating a potential for strong replacements. Meanwhile, Harry Latham-Coyle points out the challenges Borthwick faces in securing Morrow's release, as Premiership clubs have blocked the arrangement due to concerns over player data access. This reflects a broader tension between club and national interests in rugby, as Borthwick aims to maintain a competitive edge while navigating these complexities.
How we got here
Felix Jones resigned as England's defence coach in August, followed by Aled Walters, who took a similar role with Ireland. Their departures have raised concerns about the coaching structure as England aims for the 2027 World Cup.
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