With the 2025/26 rugby season just weeks away, England head coach Steve Borthwick has reportedly requested the RFU to pursue Bath Rugby’s attack and backs coach Lee Blackett. Known for his innovative and dynamic attacking strategies, Blackett has been instrumental in Bath’s recent success.
Blackett, 42, joined Bath Rugby in 2023 after his tenure as head coach at Wasps Rugby ended due to the club’s administration. His attacking blueprint, expertly implemented by key players such as club captain Ben Spencer at scrum-half and Finn Russell at fly-half, has propelled Bath to the last two Gallagher Premiership finals. Highlighting his impact, Bath emerged as 2024/25 champions and finished the season as the highest try-scoring team, completing an impressive hat-trick of trophies.
In January 2025, Blackett renewed his contract alongside defence coach JP Ferreira and forwards coach Richard Blaze — a move underscoring the club’s commitment to coaching continuity, as emphasized by head of rugby Johann van Graan. However, reports from Telegraph Sport reveal Borthwick’s ambition to integrate Blackett into the England national coaching staff to lead the attack. This aligns with plans for recently promoted Richard Wigglesworth to shift focus to defence, complementing current defence coach Joe El-Abd and fostering Wigglesworth’s coaching development.
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Over the past year, Blackett expanded his experience by working with both England A and the senior England team during the summer when Wigglesworth was on the British and Irish Lions tour in Australia. England enjoyed a successful summer under this coaching configuration, securing consecutive victories over Argentina and emphatically defeating the USA in Washington DC. Blackett gained Borthwick’s admiration for his key role throughout the summer tour.
Reflecting on his coaching aspirations, Blackett told The Telegraph, “I don’t think I’ve ever hidden the fact that one day I would love to do it [coach international rugby]. How could you not have enjoyed what went on last year with Bath? But, definitely, one day down the line, when that is, time will tell. You’re just looking to get that opportunity. Working as a head or in the international game is somewhere I would like my next jobs to be. But, I’ve been really enjoying my attack-coach role.” Despite relocating daily from the Midlands to Farleigh House, his passion and commitment remain unwavering.
Should Blackett’s departure come to pass, Bath may face a significant coaching vacancy. While no official replacement has been named, summer signing Chris Harris has expressed interest in transitioning into coaching as his playing career winds down. Additionally, Finland fly-half and Scotland international Finn Russell is highly regarded for his playmaking abilities and leadership, potentially stepping up to guide the team’s attack if Bath chooses to operate without a dedicated specialist attack coach temporarily.