Max Malins on having five attack coaches in a 17-cap England career

Max Malins has denied that England have suffered from the high turnover of attack coaches since he made his Test debut almost three years ago. Eddie Jones, Simon Amor, Martin Gleeson, Nick Evans and Richard Wigglesworth have each filled the role during Malins’ 17-cap Test career that began against Georgia in 2020.

England’s attack has functioned only sporadically during that time, but Malins believes the frequent changes are not the reason for any shortcomings. “Every attack coach has their own ideas but it doesn’t vary too much,” the Saracens wing said.

“It’s not like we have gone from trying to play wide to hitting everything through the middle. As a general picture, it’s been pretty similar. There is a solid foundation and solid coaching group that can take us forward. It hasn’t held me back.”

Wigglesworth has been placed in charge of England’s attack after joining Steve Borthwick’s coaching team from Leicester at the end of the season. With the World Cup opener against Argentina on September 9 looming large, the four warm-up Tests that start against Wales on Saturday week will provide precious opportunities to lay some foundations.

While Wigglesworth oversees the attack, he is given assistance by fly-half generals Owen Farrell, George Ford and Marcus Smith. “It’s very collaborative. Richard will give his thoughts on the system and how we want to play,” Malins said.

“But once we are out on that field there is a lot of talk: Owen, George and Marcus all pitch in with ideas on different plays as they unfold. It’s on the go, in the moment, out on the field, fixing things or appraising things as we do them. Owen and George are both students of the game.

"If you see them chatting in the corner, you know what they are chatting about. Two unbelievable rugby minds. To have those two – and Marcus, who brings a different spin on things – it’s brilliant for the team.”