England’s rugby team are drawing inspiration from the attacking mindset of England’s cricket revolution as they prepare to face Australia in the Autumn Nations Series. Head coach Steve Borthwick and defence coach Richard Wigglesworth have met with Brendon McCullum to explore how the cricket team’s fearless “Bazball” approach can translate into rugby.
The coaching staff are eager to instil a similarly bold attitude in their squad, encouraging adaptability and positive play. Wigglesworth revealed that their discussions with McCullum focused on changing mindsets and improving one-on-one coaching techniques. “We want to be a team that can win in multiple different ways and adapt because every game is different,” he noted, highlighting the desire for England to play dynamically and creatively.
Although England have won seven matches in a row this year, fans are still waiting for the emergence of a full “Borthball” identity. The upcoming clash with Australia offers an ideal opportunity to showcase progress ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw in December. A victory would also boost national pride as the country prepares for a busy Ashes season in both rugby and cricket.
The rivalry with Australia remains a strong motivator for England’s players, many of whom are cricket enthusiasts. Wigglesworth believes that this competitive edge pushes both sides to perform at their best, saying the team hopes to “stick one on the board” on Saturday.
After his experience with the British & Irish Lions’ successful tour in Australia, Wigglesworth has brought new insights into England’s defensive structure. Working alongside Joe El-Abd and Byron McGuigan, he has focused on creating a defence that is both disciplined and dynamic.
He emphasized that the players’ empowerment is central to England’s development, prioritizing teamwork and adaptability over rigid systems. “The more the players take ownership, the stronger we become,” he said, underscoring the team’s ambition to blend freedom, resilience, and precision as they begin a new chapter in English rugby.
