Steve Borthwick’s tenure as England head coach has faced another setback, with the news that a key member of his backroom staff is set to join South Africa’s coaching team. This development comes in the wake of what many consider to be England’s worst performance in the history of the Six Nations tournament, which saw them secure only one win and finish in fifth place.
The latest blow to Borthwick’s regime involves Joe Lewis, a senior analyst who had been with England for two stints. Lewis has now been placed on gardening leave, but he will officially join the South African setup by the summer. His departure is particularly significant given the upcoming match between England and South Africa on July 4, which will take place just days before Lewis transitions to his new role.
Lewis’ move follows in the footsteps of former England assistant Felix Jones, who also left his RFU position to work under Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks. This trend highlights the growing吸引力 of South Africa’s coaching structure, which continues to attract top talent from across the rugby world.
Erasmus expressed his excitement about Lewis’ arrival, stating:
“Given his vast experience in technical and performance analysis at international and club level, we believe he will add great value to the squad as we prepare for a busy and exciting season and further ahead to the 2027 World Cup. His roles have seen him gain invaluable experience at the highest level of the game — at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, in the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup, among other big tournaments. We have no doubt he’ll slot into our set-up seamlessly.”
Key Details About Joe Lewis
- Experience: Lewis has built a reputation as a highly skilled analyst, working at both international and club levels.
- Previous Roles: He was part of the England team during the 2019 Rugby World Cup and contributed to their performances in major tournaments such as the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup.
- Transition: While still on gardening leave with England, Lewis will begin his new role with South Africa by the summer, coinciding with the upcoming match against England.
Implications for England’s Future
Borthwick now faces the challenge of rebuilding his coaching team while preparing for a high-stakes match against a South African side that is not only the reigning world champions but also appears to be attracting some of the best minds in the sport. The loss of Lewis could impact England’s ability to analyze and counter South Africa’s strategies, especially given the depth of knowledge he brings.
This move also raises questions about the long-term stability of Borthwick’s coaching staff. With key personnel moving to rival teams, it may become increasingly difficult for England to maintain the same level of preparation and tactical insight that has historically defined their approach to international rugby.
As the rugby calendar moves forward, the focus will now shift to how Borthwick and his remaining staff adapt to these challenges. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether England can recover from this recent setback and re-establish themselves as a dominant force in the sport.
