Huge coup as highly-rated ex-All Blacks coach joins Steve Borthwick’s England staff full-time
England players form a huddle during their Six Nations Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
England have bolstered their backroom staff by adding Andrew Strawbridge to their ranks as an assistant coach and coaching advisor ahead of the Red Rose’s upcoming tour to Japan and New Zealand.
Strawbridge, who was part of the All Blacks’ coaching staff last year, is no stranger to the England set-up as he spent the first four weeks of this year’s Six Nations with the team as a consultant coach.
Red Rose head coach Steve Borthwick expressed his delight that Strawbridge will be able to return to his coaching group on a full-time basis.
‘Made a huge impression’
“Andrew made a huge impression during the time he spent with us at this year’s Six Nations,” he said. “From the moment he walked into the environment, I was hugely impressed with his attention to detail, the clarity of his coaching philosophy and the different perspectives he has on the game.
“His extensive coaching experience in Super Rugby and the international arena, as well as his expertise in player development, complements our existing coaching group well.
“I’m excited that he’ll back with us as we prepare for the summer Tour to Japan and New Zealand.”
Strawbridge previously worked as a skills coach for New Zealand and assisted the All Blacks during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France where they finished the global competition as runners-up.
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After finishing his playing career at Waikato, the 59-year-old moved into coaching where he held senior positions at National Provincial Championship level with North Harbour for two seasons from 2003 and Auckland for three seasons from 2009.
During that period, Strawbridge was also part of the coaching set-up which helped the New Zealand U20s win two world titles.
Strawbridge then became an assistant coach with the Chiefs and was part of their coaching staff when they won back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.
He received senior international recognition with Manu Samoa in 2015 when he joined them as a technical advisor. Strawbridge then returned to Waikato in 2019 as head coach and held that position for two years before transitioning to director of rugby in 2021.
Strawbridge joined the All Blacks set-up in 2022 as a coaching consultant and continued his involvement with the three-time world champions throughout 2023 as an assistant coach.
Impressed with England’s desire
He said: “My brief stint with England at the front end of the Six Nations was a nourishing experience and I was impressed with the desire of the group to grow and compete.
“I am immensely proud to be involved in the England coaching group and look forward to playing a part in helping the team achieve its goals.
“I really appreciate the opportunity Steve has afforded me to contribute.”
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