Northampton Saints’ coach Matt Ferguson has been named as part of England A’s coaching staff for their upcoming clash with Ireland A on Sunday 23 February (kick-off: 1pm).
England A take on Ireland A in the second of two fixtures this season, having already claimed a 38-17 victory over Australia A back in November, and today announce their coaching team – led by Bath Rugby’s Lee Blackett.
Blackett will also be accompanied by Exeter Chiefs’ senior coach, Haydn Thomas, as the team’s defence coach, Red Roses forwards coach, Louis Deacon, joins the coaching staff as the team’s designated forwards coach and Saints’ assistant coach Ferguson – who will serve as the England A team’s scrum coach.
The coaching team was chosen by the RFU in consultation with Premiership Rugby, with the selection of the match day 23 determined by senior men’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, and RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby, Conor O’Shea.
The England A side provides a platform for players transitioning from the Gallagher Premiership and pathway at U20 level to the senior men’s team. Wider squad information will be communicated in due course.
On naming the coaching group, O’Shea said: “We are excited to see Lee and Haydn continue their work with this team and provide continuity off the back of a fantastic win against Australia A in November.
“It’s brilliant to have Louis joining this outstanding coaching team, helping us to continue to align our women’s and men’s teams together with Matt Ferguson as scrum coach from Northampton Saints. The A team is and always will be a great development opportunity for coaches and players alike and it’s great to see Lee stepping up to head coach for this fixture, while Mark Mapletoft is with the U20 Men for the Six Nations.
“The England A games offer a platform for emerging players in the English game and show a commitment to an ambitious, unified and winning England, as we look to inspire the next generation of England Rugby supporters. I would like to thank the clubs for their continued collaboration and the coaches for the giving up their time to take this opportunity with the England A team.”
England Men A coaching staff for Ireland A fixture
- Lee Blackett – Head Coach and Attack Coach (Bath Rugby)
- Haydn Thomas – Defence Coach (Exeter Chiefs)
- Louis Deacon – Forwards Coach (Red Roses)
- Matt Ferguson – Scrum Coach (Northampton Saints)
Tickets for England A vs Ireland A at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol are available from £20 for adults and £5 for under-12s* and can be purchased HERE.
*booking fees apply
