"Wilkinson returning" - England boss Steve Borthwick adds two more coaches staff ahead of Six Nations
Rugby NewsFriday, 05 January 2024 at 22:22
Andrew Strawbridge, a 59-year-old Kiwi and former All Blacks skills consultant, will join Steve Borthwick's coaching team as a consultant coach for the initial four weeks of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.
Previously, he had a notable coaching career at both National Provincial and Super Rugby levels, contributing to successes such as two world titles for New Zealand Under 20s and back-to-back Super Rugby wins with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013.
Strawbridge also served as Technical Advisor with Manu Samoa in 2015 and held leadership roles with Waikato, transitioning from head coach in 2019 to director of rugby in 2021.
“Andrew is another coach with a wealth of knowledge,” said England men’s head coach, Borthwick. “He has worked extensively and successfully in Super Rugby and international rugby, most recently with New Zealand to help them to the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“Andrew has an incredible reputation in player development and has helped a large number of players progress to be amongst the best in the world. His work around the contact area is incredibly highly regarded, ensuring teams have the quick ball needed to launch a threatening attack.
“I can’t wait for him to join the team and add the enormous value that I know he will bring.”
Incoming assistant coach Felix Jones will be responsible for England’s defence with Kevin Sinfield moving to coaching individual skills and the kickers. Richard Wigglesworth continues as attack coach and Tom Harrison remains in charge of the scrum.
It is probable that Jonny Wilkinson will once again be part of the squad at some stage during the 2024 Six Nations to provide expertise in kicking, just as he did in the 2023 Six Nations and the subsequent Rugby World Cup.
Borthwick added: “I am tremendously excited to start working with Felix who is a coach with an incredible reputation and with vast experience in international rugby.
“With his background in Irish rugby and his wealth of knowledge operating in the southern hemisphere. He will bring a different dimension to our coaching team.”
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Nigel Owens ranks who is worst to referee between Dan Biggar, Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton
Despite his busy schedule managing his farm, Owens remains engaged in the rugby community, lending his expertise as a pundit and appearing in video features for prominent platforms such as the BBC, Amazon Prime, and World Rugby.
While he no longer referees professional club games, his last match in that capacity was a centenary fixture between Trimsaran and Llanelli, which took place in March of this year.
Arguably, the three worst players to deal with these days are Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.
Owens has had his say on all three, ranking them from worst to best.
#3. Owen Farrell (England)
Farrell, the English rugby captain, epitomizes leadership and respect. Renowned for his versatility as a fly-half or centre, he combines skill and discipline, serving as a linchpin in England's rugby campaigns.
Nigel Owens said: "I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
"I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
"I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that."
#2. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Biggar, the Welsh rugby sensation, is celebrated for his unwavering focus and passion. A prolific fly-half, he has charmed fans with his skill and respect on and off the field.
Owens said: "Oh god yes. He's so focused and so passionate about what he's doing, we've had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.
"I mean, it's always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game."
Dan Biggar of Northampton Saints kicks the penalty to take the lead during the European Champions Cup, Quarter-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on 20 Sept 2020. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
#1. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton, the Irish rugby maestro, leads with intelligence and grit. As a world-class fly-half, he's earned his place among the rugby elite through precise decision-making and relentless determination.
Owens on Sexton and Biggar: “I’ll tell you what, they’re probably the best two referees in the world, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton, because when you ref them they always think they know more than you!”
Owens also named the referee who would make the best player, as well as the referee who would make the worst player.
“Which referee fancies themselves as the best player? Well, that would be Nic Berry, because he played at the top level for Wasps and [Racing 92] as a very, very talented scrum-half and a very talented referee as well,” Owens said.
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