England rugby give Strawbridge full-time coaching role

England have appointed Andrew Strawbridge to a permanent position on their coaching staff after his spell as a consultant during the Six Nations, the Rugby Football Union announced Tuesday.

The former All Blacks assistant coach spent four weeks working with England head coach Steve Borthwick before returning to his native New Zealand during the tournament.

Strawbridge, 59, will now link up with England again before their post-season tour of Japan and New Zealand, with a specific responsibility around the contact area in attack.

"Andrew made a huge impression during the time he spent with us at this year's Six Nations," Borthwick said.

"From the moment he walked into the environment, I was hugely impressed with his attention to detail, the clarity of his coaching philosophy and the different perspectives he has on the game."

The former England captain added: "His extensive coaching experience in Super Rugby and the international arena, as well as his expertise in player development, complements our existing coaching group well."

England finished third in this season's Six Nations, winning three games after three successive tournaments where they managed just two victories.