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Mark Mapletoft has appointed a coaching team to lead England And against Argentina XV at The Rec next month, retaining most of the staff used last season.
James Lightfoot Brown will oversee the attack, Adam Powell the defence, James Craig the forwards and Nathan Catt the scrum England A start your program in 2026/27 Bath November 6.
Lightfoot Brown, Powell and Craig were involved in last season’s matches against All black people XV, Spain and Ireland XV, while Catt previously worked with the A side against Australia And Spain too. Lightfoot Brown trains at Gloucester, Powell at Saracens and Craig at Northampton Saints, while Catt works on the track.
Mapletoft believes retaining the core of last season’s staff will give the group continuity before they face the Argentina XV the party is expected to provide a demanding test.
“It is always a real privilege to be involved with England ‘A’ and we have assembled an exciting coaching group who will bring a great mix of knowledge and experience to the environment,” said Mapletoft.
“We kept a consistent approach in our staff for this game, and it’s just a reward for the tremendous, impactful contributions these coaches made to the program last season.
“The Argentina XV will provide us with a strong challenge and exactly the kind of test we want for this group of coaches and players.
“These matches are an important opportunity to step into the England environment, challenge at a high level and show what I can do.
“We are looking forward to getting the group together, creating a positive environment and properly preparing for what should be a really competitive match.”
England A were in action three times last season against All Blacks XVs, Spain and Ireland XVs, with Argentina XVs their first opponents of the new campaign. The squad for the match in Bath is yet to be announced.
The game will come two days before Steve Borthwick’s senior side get the northern leg Nations Championship in progress against Australia.
