Neal Hatley
Neal Hatley has served as the first-team coach at Bath since 2012 and was formerly head of London Irish's academy. Getty

Former London Irish prop and academy chief, Neal Hatley, has been appointed as England's new scrum coach. The 46-year-old, who captained the Saxons as a player, will leave his role at Bath after four years and join Eddie Jones' backroom team as they end a disappointing 2015-16 season.

Hatley will split his time between the senior squad and the RFU's player development pathway and is set to start his post in time for the Six Nations Grand Slam winners' clash with Wales at Twickenham on 29 May. Hatley also joins the backroom in time for England's journey down under to tour Australia in June, where England face a real examination of their rapid development, with three Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

"This is a very exciting time to be joining the England setup," Hatley said of his appointment. "There is an enormous amount of talent in English rugby and I can't wait to get started. I have always had an ambition to coach at an international level and I'm delighted that Eddie has given me this opportunity.

"I have greatly enjoyed my time at Bath Rugby and I would like to thank Bruce Craig and Mike Ford for the chance to work with a great group of players and staff. It has been a fantastic experience and I wish the club and the fans every success for the future."

Hatley is the third permanent appointment since Jones succeeded Stuart Lancaster in the aftermath of a dreadful 2015 World Cup campaign. Paul Gustard replaces Andy Farrell as defence coach and Steve Borthwick takes charge of the forwards, following the departure of new Harlequins assistant, Graham Rowntree. Ian Peel of Saracens temporarily oversaw England's set-piece during the Six Nations.

"We're delighted to have brought Neal into the coaching team," Jones added. "Successful English rugby teams have always had strong, powerful, dominant scrums so this is an important appointment. Neal is an experienced coach and has impressed me with the work he has done in English rugby.

"I've no doubt he is the type of character who will thrive in an international environment. He's a great addition to the team and will compliment Steve and Paul very well. We're looking forward to working with him ahead of the game against Wales and tour to Australia."

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