No ‘Unorthodox Rugby’ by Recent England National Coach Blackett

One could argue England have been through several attack coaches in recent times. The latest selection, Lee Blackett, becomes the 11th person to fill the role since 2016, yet it could be this national team may have discovered the ideal driving force to boost their prospects for the forthcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Lee Blackett, auditioned successfully in the role during the summer fixtures in North and South America, which saw England notch 13 tries across three games. He has come out as the standout success following Steve Borthwick’s newest coaching restructure, as Richard Wigglesworth moves to defensive duties and Joe El-Abd assisting in the forward pack.

Fresh from leading Bath to Premiership and Challenge Cup titles this past year, England enlisted Blackett to add further zest to the national side’s attack, starting with their first autumn series international versus the Wallabies next month. With roughly 20 Tests leading up to RWC 2027, England are eager so he can start strongly.

Lee Blackett believes the timeframe is sufficient for the squad to put together a potent backline blend, over five competitions – autumn international series, the championship and mid-year matches – to come in the coming 24 months. In my view, we’ve got enough time. Five campaigns provide enough to assess talent, that’s plenty to evolve our style.”

The affable Blackett, a veteran of Rotherham and Leeds then switching to coaching, has earned his call-up following the need to resurrect his professional path previously following the demise at Wasps where he was director of rugby. He has always been a perceptive student of the game, alongside his productive union with the masterful Finn Russell at Bath yielded positive results for all concerned.

The coach, an uplifting dressing-room presence, certainly helped in widening Bath’s outlook and will encourage players to venture beyond their limits. An expert once told me that teams that claim ‘It’s our method’ are missing a progressive attitude. My biggest fear in this job is becoming obsolete. If someone says, ‘His time is up,’ that’s my big fear. So I’m constantly studying rugby, seeing where it’s going and seeing if there’s nothing I’ve missed.”

A conversation alongside previous England international James Haskell further helped to remind him of his primary coaching objective. “Hask said: ‘We always felt confidence.’ That is what I want to do. I want players running out self-assured, I hope they competing going, ‘When opportunities arise, he supports me.’ It’s crucial not to miss opportunities when they are there.”

Any number of England fans might be exclaiming “finally” at this point. For assorted reasons, in the past, England have tended to lurched from one attacking philosophy repeatedly and used a host of specialist coaches. Previous coaches like Jones, Ella, Ed, Sam, Scott Wisemantel, Rory, Simon, Martin Gleeson, Evans and Wigglesworth previously directed the backs at some stage, if he continues until the 2027 World Cup, he would become the most enduring of the lot.

Success, however, on performance outcomes, with Blackett stressing the team will not be prioritising “funky rugby” over winning matches. My approach will be whatever seems is most effective for victory. I will analyze the opposition and identify where we may gain a benefit. If you think as creative rugby… I am only interested in a winning formula to achieve victory.”

As yet, it remains uncertain who precisely the national playmaker will be, including George, Smith plus Marcus Smith all competing for the starting fly-half jersey and including Owen, for now, on standby. Every offensive coordinator or manager consistently desires a crucial element: guarantee there are good 10s since they provide a significant impact,” Blackett said.

“We are fortunate. Some of the contenders may end up frustrated but, for me, fielding three options pushing each other will help improve their performance. They will need to be at their best.”

At Leicester, latest defence coach, Mike Forshaw, separately, has departed his role at the Tigers for personal family reasons.