Eddie Jones Strengthens England Rugby Union Coaching Staff with Richard Cockerill and Anthony Seibold Appointments
London, UK – June 14, 2025 — England Rugby Union head coach Eddie Jones has bolstered his backroom staff ahead of the upcoming international season by appointing Richard Cockerill and Anthony Seibold to key coaching roles.
Cockerill, a former England hooker and seasoned Premiership coach, joins as the new forwards coach. His wealth of experience includes successful spells with Leicester Tigers, Toulon, and more recently Edinburgh Rugby, where he revitalized the Scottish club’s forward pack. Known for his combative style and sharp technical mind, Cockerill is expected to bring fresh edge to England’s set-piece play.
Anthony Seibold, meanwhile, makes a high-profile switch from rugby league to union. The Australian coach, who previously led the Brisbane Broncos and served as a defensive strategist for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, will take charge of England’s defensive systems. Seibold has also worked in rugby union before, including stints with the Queensland Reds and the Australian national team in a performance role.
Jones, who has long been known for his unconventional choices and emphasis on high-performance culture, expressed confidence in the appointments.
“We’re always looking for ways to evolve and improve,” said Jones. “Richard brings great passion and understanding of English rugby, and Anthony offers a fresh perspective that can help us be smarter in how we defend and transition. Both will be great assets to our squad.”
The shake-up comes as England prepares for a crucial stretch leading into the Autumn Internationals and next year’s Six Nations. With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner in 2027, Jones is clearly laying the groundwork for a more dynamic and adaptive team.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) welcomed the additions, stating the appointments reflect England’s commitment to building a world-class support team to match the ambitions of the national side.
England’s training camp resumes next month, where Cockerill and Seibold will begin integrating their systems and working closely with the players.
For more on England’s preparations and squad announcements, stay tuned to RFU updates and international rugby coverage.
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