Paul Gustard previously worked with England under Eddie Jones – Getty Images/Bob Bradford
Paul Gustard, the former England defence coach, has been approached by Steve Borthwick to rejoin England’s coaching staff with current defence coach Kevin Sinfield expected to leave the set-up.
Gustard, who now works with Stade Français, previously worked with England under Eddie Jones alongside Borthwick, but turned down the chance to go to the 2019 World Cup by leaving his role in 2018 to take over as head coach of Harlequins.
Borthwick and Gustard also worked closely together at Saracens, when Borthwick was club captain and Gustard was defence coach, until Borthwick’s playing career came to an end in 2014.
Telegraph Sport understands Borthwick has reached out to Gustard while England have been in France during the Rugby World Cup about the possibility of joining England’s coaching group ahead of next year’s Six Nations.
The move to add Gustard’s defensive expertise to England’s staff correlates with the expectation that Sinfield and England will part ways by mutual agreement following the tournament, despite England’s defence continuing to improve in 2023.
Should he end up being appointed then Gustard would act as a charismatic foil to Borthwick’s analysis-driven approach, having been renowned for his unorthodox coaching techniques throughout his coaching career.
Gustard was the famed creator of the ‘Wolf Pack’ at Saracens – bringing actual wolves into training – during the team’s successful period in the mid-2010s. He also installed a six-foot-three-inch model bear in Harlequins’ team room following his arrival as head coach, while replacements during his time at the Premiership club were renamed to ‘gamechangers’.
He left Harlequins at the start of 2021 with the club seventh in the Premiership – Harlequins went on to win the Premiership title that summer – with Gustard joining Benetton as assistant coach before linking up with Stade Français last year.
Gustard is currently working as the club’s forwards coach while taking interim charge of the side before the arrival of Laurent Labit as head coach, winning all three of the club’s Top 14 matches so far. Reports in France have suggested that Gustard’s contract with Stade Français runs until 2026.
England are already set to welcome Felix Jones to their coaching ticket next year following the Rugby World Cup, with the current South Africa assistant preparing to face New Zealand in Saturday’s final in Paris after victory in the semi-final against England last weekend.
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