Steve Borthwick begins revamping England lineup as striker guru Matt Proudfoot departs

Steve Borthwick has launched his overhaul of the England line-up by confirming the departure of Red Rose forward coach Matt Proudfoot and two other members of the backroom staff.

Former Springboks scrum guru Proudfoot was hired by Eddie Jones after he was responsible for demolishing England with set pieces at the last World Cup final in Yokohama in Yokohama in 2019.

However, the crowding of the national team has become a cause for concern and another ordeal by the Boks late last month left Proudfoot’s position in jeopardy even before Jones was sacked.

New manager Steve Borthwick has launched his overhaul of the English side with three personnel changes

Matt Proudfoot (L) has left the England coaching setup after being hired by Eddie Jones in 2019

With Richard Cockerill also in charge of forwards and bolstered by his positive influence on the lane lately, Proudfoot were – predictably – quickly ditched by new head coach Borthwick, who will make personal contributions to the pack preparations.

Brett Hodgson has become another victim of regime change, as he hasn’t even started his career as the new defense coach in earnest.

He was recruited to replace another cross-code Australian, Anthony Seibold, but was released after Borthwick insisted that Kevin Sinfield be brought from Leicester. Training coordinator Danny Kerry, brought in from British hockey, has also left his post in England.

The main focus will now be on Borthwick’s policy regarding his attacking coach. Martin Gleeson remains in that role for now, but Jones’ successor has made it clear he’s ready to scour the country and the world should he feel the need to hire a new assistant – and the RFU is ready to give him a full and to fully support.

Defense coach Brett Hodgson has become another victim of regime change