Not Any ‘Creative Rugby’ by New England Men's Coach Lee Blackett
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It’s fair to say England have been through several attack coaches in recent times. The newest selection, Lee Blackett, marks the 11th coach to assume the role over a nine-year span, but it may just be this national team have found an excellent spark to improve their opportunities at the next Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Blackett, proved his worth in the role during the summer fixtures of Argentina and the US, which saw England notch 13 tries over the series. He has emerged as the standout success in Steve Borthwick’s newest cabinet reshuffle, as Richard Wigglesworth moves to defence alongside Joe El-Abd supporting with the forwards.
Fresh from helping to steer Bath to domestic glory and Challenge Cup titles recently, England enlisted Blackett to bring extra dynamism to the national side’s attack, beginning with their opening autumn series international against Australia this November. With about 20 Tests leading up to RWC 2027, England hope so he can hit the ground running.
Lee Blackett believes the timeframe is sufficient for the squad to develop a potent backline blend, given five series – autumn international series, Six Nations and summer Tests – scheduled during this cycle. I believe, there is sufficient time. Five stretches is enough to assess talent, they are sufficient to build our attack.”
The affable Blackett, formerly of Rotherham and Leeds then switching to coaching, has earned the national role following the need to restart his coaching journey previously due to the bankruptcy at Wasps as their director of rugby. He has always been a perceptive rugby analyst, with his innovative collaboration with expert Finn Russell during his Bath tenure was highly effective across the board.
The coach, an uplifting dressing-room presence, was instrumental in widening Bath’s approach and plans to motivate players to step beyond their limits. An expert once told me that teams which say ‘This is the way’ lack a progressive attitude. What I dread most in this job is ending up as a dinosaur. Hearing someone say, ‘He’s lost it,’ that’s my big fear. That’s why I’m always analyzing the sport, noting trends and checking whether I’m missing something.”
A podcast chat alongside previous England international James Haskell further reiterated of his main team philosophy. He told me: ‘You always gave us confidence.’ That’s exactly I want to do. I expect the squad starting matches confident, I want players stepping onto the pitch saying, ‘When opportunities arise, he supports me.’ It’s crucial not to miss opportunities when they are there.”
Any number of England fans are likely cheering “hallelujah” by now. Because of multiple issues, up until recently, England have tended to jumped across varied strategies to the next and have employed a battalion of backline specialists. Eddie Jones, Ella, Ed Robinson, Sam, Scott, Teague, Simon Amor, Martin, Nick and Richard Wigglesworth have all led the attack during their tenure, if he continues through to the next World Cup, he might end up as the most enduring of all.
Success, ultimately, on performance outcomes, and he made clear the national side will not be prioritising “flashy play” above results. My approach will be any strategy is best to win us the game. I will analyze the opposition and where I feel we can get an edge. If you think that’s funky… I am only interested in something that works to get the result.”
At this stage, it remains not decided which player England’s on-field tactical general will be, including George, Fin Smith plus Marcus Smith all competing to wear the fly-half jersey with Farrell, currently, waiting in the wings. Every offensive coordinator or head coach always wants a crucial element: guarantee you have good 10s as they deliver a significant impact,” Blackett said.
“It’s a positive situation. Two of the guys may end up disappointed however, in my view, possessing a trio pushing each other should elevate them better. Each must be to perform optimally.”
The Tigers’, newly hired defence coach, Mike Forshaw, meanwhile, has departed his position for the club for personal family reasons.
