Paul Gustard joins Eddie Jones’ England revolution

The RFU have confirmed that Paul Gustard has agreed to join England’s coaching staff as defence coach.
Gustard will leave Saracens where he has been defence and forwards coach for the Premiership champions. The 39 year-old has been part of the coaching group since 2008 having previously spent two seasons at the north London club as a player. He was involved as a coach on England’s tour to Argentina in 2013 while Andy Farrell was away coaching with the British and Irish Lions.
He had an 11-year professional career as a flanker playing in 173 Premiership games for Leicester Tigers, London Irish and Saracens and played at every representative level for England apart from the senior side.
He will remain with Saracens until the England squad come together ahead of this season’s RBS 6 Nations campaign.
He said: “To be given the chance with England is hugely humbling and I am thrilled to be involved. I would like to thank Saracens for allowing me to leave and take up this opportunity. I hope that experience will stand me in good stead for this next challenge.
“This has been a difficult decision to make, but to coach England is an opportunity you just don’t turn down. I have enjoyed ten wonderful years at Saracens, both as a player and as a coach.
“It’s been an incredible journey. I have made some amazing memories as part of such a special group, but there is a very exciting opportunity ahead for me that I’m really looking forward to.
“My focus now is the next six weeks by helping this brilliant playing and coaching group prepare for some important games.”
England head coach Eddie Jones added: “I’m really pleased to have Paul join us as he is a quality coach who has done some fantastic things at Saracens. We appreciate that we were able to work with Saracens to get him on board.
“An important part of England going forward is to make sure we keep the traditional and fundamental bits of English rugby in place and that has always been a strong set piece then have a very aggressive defence with Paul Gustard. He has overseen Saracens growth as a team, he has produced an aggressive defence system there and we are hoping he can do the same for England.”