"Shake up" - England confirms major coaching restructure ahead of next phase
Rugby NewsWednesday, 10 September 2025 at 16:28
The Rugby Football Union has confirmed a shake-up in its player pathway structure, with Mark Mapletoft appointed as Head of England Player Pathways.
Mapletoft, who masterminded England’s age-grade Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship double in 2024, steps into the new position after a hugely successful second spell leading the U20s. His move sees Andy Titterrell promoted to head coach of the U20 side, having served as his assistant.
The 53-year-old Mapletoft boasts a wealth of pathway experience. He first worked within the RFU’s National Academy between 2007 and 2010, before stints with Harlequins’ academy and senior team. In 2020, he returned to the national set-up with the England U18s. Now, the former Gloucester, Harlequins and London Irish fly-half will be tasked with aligning the U17 to U20 programmes, while strengthening ties between Premiership clubs, Steve Borthwick’s England squad, and players emerging from the age-grade teams.
As part of his remit, Mapletoft will also take charge of England A, who open their season against the All Blacks XV at Bath’s Recreation Ground on Saturday, November 8.
Meanwhile, Titterrell moves into the top job with the U20s. Capped six times by England, the former hooker toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2005 and enjoyed a decorated playing career that included Premiership glory. He will be supported by Kevin Sorrell, who joins as backs coach after ending a 30-year association with Saracens.
England U18 coaches Jonathan Pendlebury and Will Parkin continue in their current roles, including overseeing this month’s specialist front-five and backs camp at Bisham Abbey.
RFU Executive Director of Performance Conor O’Shea said: *“These appointments reinforce our aims as a union to support young players to excel in world-leading England teams.
“Mark [Mapletoft] has done a stellar job in helping realign the age-grade system since returning and his role will enable us to continue to build upon that work within the pathway.
“We are incredibly excited to see Andy take on the head coach role of the U20 programme and we look forward to this new chapter for him alongside Kevin. Everyone in rugby can see the amount of talent that is coming through the clubs into England, and we are always aiming to make this better and better. We all believe the next phase for English Rugby is going to be very special.”*
Mapletoft, Titterrell and Sorrell each spoke with pride about their new roles, with all three stressing the importance of collaboration, player development, and continuing England’s run of age-grade success.
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“Not at the level” – Four Springboks and four Lions in 2025 World XV
The British & Irish Lions may have returned from Australia with a 2–1 series victory, but selection into the current World XV has been far less generous.
Despite Maro Itoje leading the side to glory as captain, only four Lions make the cut—evidence that while the tour was successful on the scoreboard,
it didn’t necessarily produce a team packed with the form players of world rugby. South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.
World XV
1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)
The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)
Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.
3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)
Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)
A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.
5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)
Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.
6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)
A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)
Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)
A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.
9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)
The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.
10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)
Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.
11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)
Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)
Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.
13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)
Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)
Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.
15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)
Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.
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Test Your Rugby Knowledge: Top 17 Point Scorers Quiz
Whether they dominated with ice-cool penalty kicks, pinpoint conversions, or electrifying tries, these players have made their mark on the game.
You’ve got four minutes on the clock—can you list them all? Grab a pen, set the timer, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to ace this ultimate rugby challenge!
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