England has announced that Brett Hodgson will be taking over from Anthony Seibold as defence coach after the Autumn Nations Series.
The change in the backroom staff comes after a disappointing 30-29 defeat to Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday.
Seibold will return to the National Rugby League in Australia after England’s game against South Africa later this month and has been appointed head coach of Manly Sea Eagles.
“Continue the good work”
Former Hull FC boss Hodgson is a coach Eddie Jones has known for some time, and he expects the rugby league man to have a good impact on the England set-up.
“I’ve known Brett for a few years now. He first visited us in Bristol in 2018 and I’ve been to Hull on a few occasions,” Jones said.
“He was an outstanding league player and he’s a talented, hard-working young coach who is developing.
“He will continue the good work that Anthony Seibold has done since he joined us.
“We are disappointed to lose Anthony but we are really pleased for him as a career move. It’s great to see assistant coaches move on to head-coach roles.
“Anthony leaves with everyone at England Rugby’s thanks and we wish him all the best in his new role.”
Hodgson has already joined up with the England squad, where he will shadow Seibold until the latter departs for Australia.
The former rugby league player had a distinguished career as a player but was sacked after two poor seasons with Hull.
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Nevertheless, Hodgson is excited to get stuck in and contribute towards England’s push to be as ready as possible for the next year’s World Cup.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join with England, especially in a Rugby World Cup year,” Hodgson said.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the staff and this group of players. There is some real talent here and it’s something I feel I can make a contribution to in helping this team succeed.”
Grateful for the opportunity
Meanwhile, Seibold is grateful for his experience with England and is looking forward to seeing their continued growth towards the showpiece next year.
“It has been a tremendous experience working for one of the world’s best coaches in Eddie Jones and with the England Rugby team over the last 16 months. The mentorship that Eddie has given me is something I will take forward into my next role,” Seibold said.
“The relationships I have developed with both staff and players alike has created many fond memories with the series winning tour to Australia a real coaching highlight.
“The players have been a wonderful group of men to work with and I will watch with great interest their growth over the next 12 months as they head towards success at the Rugby World Cup in France.”