Lancaster calls for Baxter

By Mark Stevens

England head coach Stuart Lancaster says he is looking forward to working with both Rob Baxter and Paul Gustard on the upcoming tour to Argentina in June.

Exeter Chiefs head coach Baxter, together with Saracens defence and forwards coach Paul Gustard, will team up with Lancaster and attacking skills coach Mike Catt for the trip to South America as regular lieutenants Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell will be away with the British & Irish Lions in Australia at the same time.

Subject to Aviva Premiership placings, Baxter will link up with Lancaster and Catt to prepare for the game against the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 26, while Gustard will be available once Saracens’ Premiership and Heineken Cup involvement has ended.

Lancaster said: "We are delighted to have two quality coaches who have come through the English system for what will be a hugely significant tour for us and a big thank-you should go to Saracens, Exeter and Premiership Rugby for supporting England in this way.

"It was important that we found two coaches who could mirror the skill set of Graham (Rowntree) and Andy (Farrell) and come in and keep developing the players within our system.

"Paul, having worked together with Andy on defence at Saracens already has a good understanding of how we operate and Rob, who has done a great job in developing a very competitive Exeter pack, will pick up the set piece and breakdown, and both will work alongside Mike Catt as part of our integrated coaching team.

"We are looking forward to both coaches joining us after their club commitments finish on what is an important tour in our development as a team."