Bath coach Neal Hatley has expressed his delight after England announced he will join Eddie Jones’ backroom staff from the end of the season.
Hatley comes in as a scrum coach and will team up with forwards coach Steve Borthwick, as well as defence coach Paul Gustard in the England setup – a coaching team that guided Jones’ men to Grand Slam glory in this year’s RBS 6 Nations. The 46-year-old former prop has been working as a scrum and defence coach at The Rec since 2012 and before then, when he retired from playing in 2007, was also a scrum coach and head of the London Irish Academy. “This is a very exciting time to be joining the England setup,” said Hatley. “There is an enormous amount of talent in English rugby and I can’t wait to get started. “I have always had an ambition to coach at an international level and I’m delighted that Eddie has given me this opportunity. “I have greatly enjoyed my time at Bath Rugby and I would like to thank Bruce Craig and Mike Ford for the chance to work with a great group of players and staff. It has been a fantastic experience and I wish the club and the fans every success for the future.” During a 17-year playing career Hatley represented Western Province, Natal Sharks and London Irish. He also played for and captained England Saxons. In his new role he will spend two days a week with the England team and the rest of his time will be spent working in the RFU’s player development pathway. His first challenge will be taking England Down Under for their three-Test summer tour of Australia. England Head Coach Eddie Jones said of the appointment: “We’re delighted to have brought Neal into the coaching team. “Successful English rugby teams have always had strong, powerful, dominant scrums so this is an important appointment. “Neal is an experienced coach and has impressed me with the work he has done in English rugby. “I’ve no doubt he is the type of character who will thrive in an international environment. “He’s a great addition to the team and will compliment Steve and Paul very well. “We’re looking forward to working with him ahead of the game against Wales and tour to Australia.”
