Steve Borthwick makes his first big move as England coach by appointing Harlequins’ Nick Evans

Steve Borthwick has made his first big move as England head coach by appointing Nick Evans as his attack chief for the 2023 Six Nations. 

But bringing in the current Harlequins assistant and former fly-half will only be a short-term fix for Borthwick as Evans will return to his club at the end of the Championship. 

Evans’ imminent joining of the England camp raises questions over the future of Martin Gleeson, the attack coach Borthwick inherited when he succeeded the sacked Eddie Jones last month. 

Steve Borthwick has added Nick Evans to his coaching staff as attack chief for the Six Nations

England refused to confirm on Friday whether Gleeson has moved on or will be part of Borthwick’s team building up to their Six Nations opener with Scotland on February 4. 

‘I am delighted Nick is joining our team ahead of the Six Nations,’ said Borthwick.

Evans brings plenty of international experience to the England set-up

‘Nick brings with him a wealth of different experiences as a player and coach which will be incredibly valuable to the growth of our team. 

‘I know Nick understands the pride and responsibility that comes with representing your country. 

‘We aim to build an England team our nation can be proud of and I know our supporters will be very excited by what Nick can bring to our side. 

‘We’d particularly like to thank Harlequins for their support in allowing Nick to work with us during this period. It’s a great example of club and country working together.’ 

Evans will return to work at Quins during the down weeks in the Six Nations. 

The New Zealander has helped the London side play an entertaining brand of rugby which won them the Premiership title in 2021. 

Evans will hope to have a similar impact with England, whose attacking game struggled badly in the autumn in what turned out to be Jones’ last campaign in charge. 

Borthwick was appointed as Eddie Jones successor in charge of England on December 19

Former England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has also moved on from Borthwick’s set-up. 

Harlequins’ director of performance Billy Millard said: ‘This is an amazing opportunity for Nick where he will learn and grow so much which can only be good for the club.

‘I am also confident he will provide Steve and the playing group with excellent support and direction through the 2023 Six Nations period.’ 

Former England forwards coach Matt Proudfoot (L) has also moved on from Borthwick’s set-up