Lee Blackett Appointed Permanent England Attack Coach Following Successful Argentina Series

London, UK – Rugby England has officially confirmed the permanent appointment of Lee Blackett as their attack coach, a move that signals continuity and a belief in the positive impact he's already had on the national team. Blackett, who initially joined the Red Rose setup on a secondment for the recent summer series against Argentina, has impressed enough to earn a full-time role, contributing to a series victory that has injected a renewed sense of optimism into the squad.

A Summer of Success Seals the Deal

The decision to make Blackett's position permanent comes as no surprise to many observers of the English game. His temporary spell in charge of the attack coincided with a commanding performance against Los Pumas, where England showcased a more dynamic and potent attacking edge. This was a welcome sight for fans who have, at times, yearned for more flair and try-scoring prowess from their national side. The 3-0 series whitewash against Argentina was a significant achievement, and Blackett's tactical input is widely seen as a key factor in that success.

Sources close to the RFU have indicated that the coaching staff and players alike have found Blackett to be an invaluable addition. His ability to connect with the squad and implement his attacking philosophies quickly and effectively during the high-pressure environment of an international series was particularly noteworthy. This is a testament to his coaching acumen and his understanding of what makes a modern attacking unit tick.

Blackett's Journey to the Top

Lee Blackett's coaching career has been built on a foundation of hard work and a deep understanding of the game. He made his name primarily in the Gallagher Premiership with Wasps, where he took on various coaching roles before stepping up as Head Coach. During his tenure at Wasps, he was credited with fostering an attacking style that often punched above its weight, despite the club's often challenging circumstances. This experience of developing talent and implementing effective strategies in a competitive league environment has clearly prepared him for the demands of international rugby.

His promotion to the England setup is a significant step up, and it highlights the growing recognition of his coaching talents within the sport. The transition from club to country is often a steep learning curve, but Blackett appears to have navigated it with aplomb. His ability to adapt his strategies to the specific strengths and weaknesses of the England squad, while also integrating his own attacking principles, has been a hallmark of his brief tenure so far.

What This Means for England's Attack

The permanent appointment of Blackett suggests a clear direction for England's attacking game. Under his guidance, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on creativity, intelligent decision-making, and the ability to exploit space. His background at Wasps often saw them play a high-tempo, expansive brand of rugby, and it will be fascinating to see how this translates to the international stage, particularly with the 2023 Rugby World Cup on the horizon.

While specific tactical details remain under wraps, the early signs are promising. England's performance against Argentina showcased improved handling, sharper support lines, and a greater willingness to take risks in the right areas of the field. This is precisely the kind of attacking mindset that can unlock even the most stubborn defences. The challenge now, of course, is to maintain and build upon this momentum against tougher opposition.

Steve Borthwick, England's Head Coach, expressed his delight at securing Blackett's services on a permanent basis. "Lee did an excellent job during the Argentina series," Borthwick stated. "His work with the attacking unit was outstanding, and he really connected with the players. We're thrilled to have him on board permanently. His vision for our attack aligns perfectly with what we want to achieve as a team."

The players themselves have also spoken highly of Blackett. Owen Farrell, England's captain, commented on the impact of the new attack coach: "Lee brought a fresh perspective and a lot of energy to the group. He's a great communicator, and he's helped us understand our attacking game better. We're all looking forward to continuing to work with him and develop our attacking capabilities further."

Looking Ahead: World Cup Aspirations

With the Rugby World Cup in France looming large, the timing of this appointment couldn't be better. Having a settled and experienced coaching team in place is crucial for any side harbouring genuine aspirations of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. Blackett's permanent role provides that stability and allows for a more integrated long-term development of England's attacking strategies.

The challenge for Blackett and the coaching staff will be to translate the promising signs from the Argentina series into consistent performances against the world's elite. Teams like France, Ireland, and New Zealand possess formidable defences, and England will need every ounce of attacking ingenuity to overcome them. However, with Blackett now firmly embedded in the coaching setup, there is a palpable sense of excitement about what the future holds for England's attack.

His permanent appointment is more than just a formality; it's an investment in a coaching philosophy that has already yielded positive results. Can Lee Blackett help steer England to World Cup glory? Only time will tell, but the initial signs are certainly encouraging. The red rose faithful will be watching with keen interest as this new attacking chapter unfolds.