England coaching overhaul takes shape as Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters reunite with Steve Borthwick

England have tied up deals to prise Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters away from Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.

Wigglesworth will number among Borthwick’s assistants and focus on attack, while Walters will head up England’s strength and conditioning.

England scrum-half Wigglesworth held a player-coach role in Borthwick’s Leicester set-up, and will now link back up with his former Welford Road boss at Test level.

The RFU were unable to convince Leicester to allow Wigglesworth and Walters to exit along with Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield in December.

Wigglesworth retired from playing and stepped into the breach as Leicester head coach after Borthwick’s exit, but will now step up another level in the summer.

“Richard and Aled are two outstanding coaches in their fields who I know very well,” said Borthwick. “Richard has been a proven winner throughout his playing career and has carried this into his coaching career.

“He already has international experience, from the 2019 World Cup with Canada, alongside a hugely successful playing career and has amassed a wealth of knowledge.

“Few people have such an in-depth, wide-ranging view and understanding of the tactical element of the game.

“He is a proud Englishman who has represented his country and is desperate to see us win, he will show he really cares about this team.

“Aled is an excellent performance coach who had an incredible impact with the Rugby World Cup holders South Africa.

“Wherever he has worked, players improve. I have never met anyone who is able to get more out of players than he does.”

Wigglesworth won 33 England caps while making 449 Premiership appearances for Sale, Saracens and Leicester in a 20-year playing career.

The 39-year-old acted as Canada’s defence and kicking coach at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Walters joined Leicester in 2020 after helping South Africa win that World Cup. The Welshman has also held roles with Scarlets, Taranaki, ACT Brumbies and Munster.