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England confirm three departures from backroom staff including forwards coach Proudfoot

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Matt Proudfoot has left his role as England forwards coach as Steve Borthwick continues his search for a winning formula ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.

Matt Proudfoot has left his role as England forwards coach as Steve Borthwick continues his search for a winning formula ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.

Proudfoot is one of three outgoings alongside Brett Hodgson and Danny Kerry, who have all departed their roles with just over four weeks to go until the start of the 2023 Championship.

A South Africa-born former Scotland international, Proudfoot took on the forwards coach role in January 2020 after Neal Hatley’s departure to Bath having helped the Springboks to World Cup success in 2019 as an assistant to Rassie Erasmus.

He will now take on the role of consultant head coach of the Stellenbosch University rugby team in South Africa.

Former defence coach Hodgson departs after only a few weeks in post, having been appointed following the 2022 Autumn Nations Series when predecessor Anthony Seibold left for NRL side Manly Sea Eagles.

The Australian’s departure was signalled following the confirmation that Borthwick would be bringing Kevin Sinfield with him from Gallagher Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

And the final casualty in the latest shake-up sees Kerry, the training coordinator under former head coach Eddie Jones, also leaving his role.

Commenting on Proudfoot’s departure, RFU executive director of performance rugby, Conor O’Shea, said: “Matt Proudfoot agreed to step down after three years under former England senior men’s head coach Eddie Jones.”

“We are very grateful to Matt for all he has done for England and wish him every success in his next career move.”

Proudfoot added: “It has been a privilege to be part of the team for the last three years.”