Richard Wigglesworth is going to be busy double-jobbing next season

Saracens and England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth has agreed to become Ealing Trailfinders' attack coach.

The 35-year-old No9, last capped by England against Australia in November, has been coaching on a part-time basis this season with the Championship outfit but will now continue with the West Londoners for the 2019/20 campaign in a busier role.

He brings a wealth of experience, winning five Premiership titles as well as two Heineken Champions Cup trophies throughout a highly successful career.

Wigglesworth will coach the Trailfinders on a weekly basis while he continues to play at the top level with Saracens and England. This season he broke the all-time Premiership appearance record by taking to the pitch for the 266th time, over taking Steve Borthwick’s long standing achievement.

He came through the Sale Sharks academy and made over 100 appearances for them before joining Saracens in 2010. Wigglesworth has also represented his country on 31 occasions, including two World Cups in 2011 and 2015.

Director of rugby Ben Ward is thrilled to add such vast experience to his coaching team. “Wiggy’s rugby CV speaks for itself and to have someone of his stature is massive for us. The players have enormous respect for him and he has already made a seamless transition in to coaching which is a great asset for the club.”

Confirmation of Wigglesworth’s appointment as attack coach followed Ealing’s early Tuesday announcement that Jack Tovey will join next season from Bristol Bears.

The centre came through the Bristol academy and has been with his home-town club since 2009, where he has gone on to make 189 appearances in a 10-year spell. The 28-year-old plays most of his rugby in midfield but can also cover both wing and full-back, making him a versatile addition to the back line. 

He has spent part of this season on loan at Hartpury and has been instrumental in their up-turn in form which has seen them climb off the bottom of the Championship. “I’m really looking forward to a fresh start at an ambitious club like Ealing,” said Tovey. “The direction in which the club wants to go and the brand of rugby they play really excites me. They have retained a strong squad which will give us a great opportunity next year.”