England coach leaves his role with immediate effect

The 36-year-old joined Steve Borthwick’s England staff for last summer’s tour of Argentina and the USA, before continuing his role through the Autumn Nations Series and the Six Nations campaign.

He balanced those duties alongside his responsibilities at Premiership side Sale, but the club has now confirmed an agreement for McGuigan to move on and “pursue other opportunities.”

McGuigan said:
"After 10 incredible years with Sale Sharks, I'm hugely grateful for the memories, the people, and the opportunity to represent and later coach this club. It's been a privilege every step of the way."

A former winger who earned 10 caps for Scotland, McGuigan transitioned into coaching with Sale in 2023. During his time with the Sharks, he took charge of the side in Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures and oversaw defensive structures as the club secured a third-place finish in the league last season.

His coaching work, particularly around contact skills and development of the back three, caught the attention of England’s national set-up, leading to his involvement at international level.

Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson paid tribute to McGuigan’s impact:
"Byron's contribution to the club as a player and then as a coach has been huge. He's been a massive part of what we've achieved, and who we are as a club, and his influence will be felt in whatever we achieve in the future."

From selection to tactics, here are five key adjustments England must consider if they are to recover, rebuild, and return to being genuine contenders on the international stage.

Although ultimate responsibility lies with Steve Borthwick, his coaching team must also take their share of the blame after a disappointing Six Nations.

In particular, Richard Wigglesworth has serious questions to answer and could end up being sacrificed to preserve Borthwick’s position.

As senior assistant and defence coach, despite lacking prior experience in that specific role before joining England, it may be a smart move to look elsewhere. One potential option is Byron McGuigan, who recently left Sale Sharks to “pursue other opportunities.”

If England are to move forward, they may need to relieve Wigglesworth of his defensive responsibilities, and given the struggles of the attack during his previous role as attack coach, his position as senior assistant could also come under scrutiny.

This suggestion may divide opinion, but in the short term Owen Farrell could be a valuable addition for England, offering leadership on the field that effectively mirrors a coach’s presence.

As one of England’s greatest ever players, his return could also bring longer-term benefits, particularly through his influence on younger talents like Seb Atkinson and Fin Smith, who operate at inside centre and fly-half, positions Farrell understands exceptionally well.

At 34 and set to be 36 by the time the World Cup begins, this would probably be a final chapter in his international career, but one that could still deliver meaningful impact. After all, if he was considered good enough for the British and Irish Lions last summer, it suggests he still has plenty to offer.

At several points during the Six Nations, England appeared to be playing a style of rugby that did not suit their strengths, especially in the backline.

The heavy reliance on kicking limited the impact of their powerful, direct-running centres, and aside from Tom Roebuck, the squad’s wingers were not particularly strong under the high ball, so the tactical approach offered little benefit.

During the summer, England showed that when they play with freedom and confidence, they have the quality and pace to move the ball quickly and break down defences. Instead, this felt like a team being held back by a slower, more cautious approach that ultimately proved ineffective.

There are clear advantages to maintaining a rule that encourages players to remain in England rather than moving abroad, particularly given the Prem's salary cap, which is not in place in other leagues.

However, this policy is now costing England access to a significant pool of talent, and at a time like this, they need as many high-quality players as possible.

Jack Willis, for example, was arguably the standout performer in the Top 14 last season yet remains unavailable for selection, and the same situation will apply to his brother Tom when he moves to France this summer.

A sensible compromise could be to allow a limited number of overseas-based players, perhaps two or three, in each squad. This would prevent a mass exodus while still giving England access to some of their best talent.

It could also offer a tactical advantage, as players competing in France would have greater familiarity with French teams, systems and individuals, which could prove valuable in international matches.

After the defeat to Scotland, Borthwick spoke about backing players and giving them another opportunity.

That decision did not pay off, but it highlighted a level of loyalty that now needs to be reconsidered. If a player is out of form or not suited to a particular game plan, they should be left out, regardless of past contributions.

This tendency to remain loyal can mean that in-form or better-suited players miss out on selection. Perhaps the experience of persisting with the same approach before the Ireland game will prompt a change in thinking.