Corbisiero and Perry join RFU coaching staff

Former England prop Alex Corbisiero and international scrum-half Shaun Perry have joined the RFU as part-time positional coaches.
The pair will support the England age-grade teams and develop talented players on the pathway with a focus on the scrum, front row and scrum halves.
The former internationals join a coaching group which includes World Cup winner Richard Hill, now in his second year as a player mentor, working with young players aiming to progress to the England team.
“I’ve always liked the idea of player mentoring as I feel I was lucky to have great mentors myself when I was younger, said former London Irish and Northampton Saints prop Corbisiero.
“Guys like Neil Hatley and Graham Rowntree made a big impression and helped me massively.  It is good to be in a position now to give back and support players coming through.”
The specialist input of Corbisiero is being provided during the U20s Six Nations and U18s competition window and for the 27-year-old prop, currently taking a break from playing the game, it is a chance to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of England players.
Corbisiero was capped 10 times at U20 level before going on to make 19 senior appearances and two as a British and Irish Lion.
For Level Three coach Perry it is a role that comes in addition to his current commitments with a number of schools and Bridgnorth RFC. The scrum-half retired from the game in July 2013 and pursued his interest in coaching.
“It is great to be back in the elite environment and I think the England age grade setup is outstanding,” said Perry.
“I’ve been impressed with the skill level of the players and the energy that they bring – there is a good buzz.  I enjoy being able to support their learning and hopefully my input can make a difference in some way. It is a privilege to be involved.”
The two part-time coaches are part of a set-up that currently includes international player development coaches Jon Callard, John Fletcher, Peter Walton, Russell Earnshaw and Rory Teague, plus specialists Simon Hardy and Mark Luffman.
Joe Lydon, head of international player development, added: “The focus is on creating a player-centred learning environment and U18 Head Coach John Fletcher played a key part in bringing about their involvement.
“He is constantly looking at how we can add value for the players and accelerate their development.”