Steve Borthwick has sought to reassure fans that the recent changes in England’s coaching staff will not disrupt preparations ahead of a demanding autumn schedule, which kicks off against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on November 2.
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Felix Jones and Aled Walters Depart
Felix Jones, who was responsible for the team’s defensive strategies, resigned in August without securing another position. His departure has raised eyebrows, especially as Aled Walters, the former head of strength and conditioning, has moved to Ireland in a similar role. Reports suggest Jones’s decision was influenced by an “unstable working environment.”
Continuity in Coaching Team
Despite these changes, Borthwick insists that there remains continuity within his coaching team. He highlighted the roles of Richard Wigglesworth, Tom Harrison, Kevin Sinfield, and Andrew Strawbridge as essential for maintaining stability.
New Roles for El-Abd and Tobin
Joe El-Abd has stepped in to oversee the defence while continuing his duties as director of rugby with Oyonnax until the end of the season. Dan Tobin will manage conditioning responsibilities until Phil Morrow can be recruited from Saracens.
Borthwick’s Reassurance
Borthwick emphasised the seamless transition in coaching roles, stating, “There is a whole lot of consistency there. Joe is a coach I have known and respected for a long time. He has a good understanding of how we operate.” He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and perform well as they prepare for the autumn series.
Sixteen England players expected to feature in Andy Farrell’s 2025 British & Irish Lions squad
According to the latest odds, bookmakers have highlighted a compelling selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, combining established talent with rising stars.
The back-three features powerhouse winger Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) as a standout, with odds of 1/16, alongside Irish duo James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5), both integral to Ireland’s recent success. England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (4/9) and Tommy Freeman (8/11) add youthful energy, while George Furbank (2/1) rounds off the versatile options.
In the centres, Bundee Aki (Ireland) leads the pack at 1/5, supported by England’s Ollie Lawrence (1/4) and Scotland’s dynamic Sione Tuipulotu (2/7). Veteran Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) also makes the cut at 8/11.
At fly-half, Owen Farrell (England) is heavily favored (1/10), while Marcus Smith (8/15) and Finn Russell (8/11) promise creativity.
Scrum-half selections are led by Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), with Alex Mitchell and Ben White battling for spots. In the pack, stalwarts like Maro Itoje (1/33) and Tadhg Furlong (1/8) headline, as rising players such as Ben Earl (1/5) and Caelan Doris (1/5) look set to play key roles. The odds reveal a blend of experience and fresh talent for the upcoming tour.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36), according to the odds
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 4/9
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 8/11
- George Furbank (England) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
