Mark Mapletoft confirms England A coaching team

Mark Mapletoft has named the coaching team that will lead England A against Argentina XV at The Rec next month, retaining the bulk of the staff used last season.

James Lightfoot Brown will oversee the attack, Adam Powell the defence, James Craig the forwards and Nathan Catt the scrum when England A begin their 2026/27 programme in Bath on November 6.

Lightfoot Brown, Powell and Craig were all involved in last season’s matches against All Blacks XV, Spain and Ireland XV, while Catt has previously worked with the A side against Australia A and Spain. Lightfoot Brown coaches at Gloucester, Powell at Saracens and Craig at Northampton Saints, while Catt works in the pathway.

Mapletoft believes retaining the core of last season’s staff will give the group continuity before facing an Argentina XV side expected to provide a demanding test.

“It’s always a real privilege to be involved with England ‘A’ and we’ve assembled an exciting coaching group who will bring a great mix of knowledge and experience into the environment,” Mapletoft said.

Fixture

Rugby Union Hybrid Friendlies

England A

11:45

6 Nov 26

Argentina XV

All Stats and Data

“We’ve maintained a consistent approach in our staffing for this game, and it is just reward for these coaches’ immense, impactful contributions across the programme last season.

“Argentina XV will provide us with a strong challenge and exactly the type of test we want for this group of coaches and players.

“These fixtures are an important opportunity to step into an England environment, challenge at a high level and show what they can do.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the group together, creating a positive environment and preparing properly for what should be a really competitive fixture.”

England A were in action three times last season against All Blacks XV, Spain and Ireland XV, with Argentina XV providing their first opposition of the new campaign. The playing squad for the Bath fixture is yet to be announced.

The match will come two days before Steve Borthwick’s senior side get the northern leg of their Nations Championship underway against Australia.