England A announce coaching staff for Ireland fixture

With Mark Mapletoft tied up with England’s U20s team, Bath’s Lee Blackett has been promoted to the role of England A head coach for the game against Ireland A later this month.

The highly-regarded Blackett will continue to look after the attack in what is now a dual role for the fixture at Ashton Gate in Bristol on Sunday 23rd February (13:00 GMT kick-off).

In the first of two fixtures for the team this season, England A claimed a 38-17 win over Australia A at Twickenham Stoop in November.

Blackett has transformed Bath as an attacking outfit since arriving at the club in May 2023 and enjoyed previous coaching stints at Rotherham Titans, Wasps and Scarlets before joining the Somerset side in 2023.

Blackett will be accompanied by Exeter Chiefs’ senior coach, Haydn Thomas, as the team’s defence coach who fulfilled this same role for the team in their earlier victory this season. Thomas has previously served as the England U20 men’s defensive coordinator.

Red Roses forwards coach, Louis Deacon, joins the coaching staff as the team’s designated forwards coach, while Northampton’s Matt Ferguson will serve as the England A team’s scrum coach.

On being appointed head coach and attack coach for England A, Lee Blackett said: “I was honoured to be asked to take up the role. I really enjoyed being part of the England A coaching team in the week leading up to facing Australia A last Autumn.

“Having that opportunity to work with quality players and staff was a hugely positive experience. To be asked to lead it is something I am really excited for.”

Conor 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 giving up their time to take this opportunity with the England A team.”