Northampton Saints coach James Craig will link up with England A for a second season running after being named as part of the coaching group for their fixture against Argentina.
Craig was called into the RFU set-up for last November’s fixtures against All Blacks XV, Ireland XV and Spain, and the 37-year-old has remained in head coach Mark Mapletoft’s plans for the clash against Argentina XV on Friday 6 November at The Rec.
Saint #1906 Craig – who made 73 appearances for the men in Black, Green and Gold and toured South Africa with England Saxons in 2016 – will operate as forwards coach alongside Mapletoft, James Lightfoot Brown (attack), Adam Powell (defence) and Nathan Catt (scrum).
The Argentina XV fixture forms part of the England A 2026/27 programme, providing an important opportunity for players and coaches from the England pathway and Gallagher PREM to represent their country in a senior Test environment and continue their development.
On the coach selection, Mapletoft said: “It’s always a real privilege to be involved with England A, and we’ve assembled an exciting coaching group who will bring a great mix of knowledge and experience into the environment.
“We’ve maintained a consistent approach in our staffing for this game, and it is just reward for these coaches’ immense, impactful contributions across the programme last season.
“Argentina XV will provide us with a strong challenge and exactly the type of test we want for this group of coaches and players. These fixtures are an important opportunity to step into an England environment, challenge at a high level and show what they can do.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the group together, creating a positive environment and preparing properly for what should be a really competitive fixture.”
England Men’s ‘A’ coaching staff for Argentina XV fixture
- Mark Mapletoft – Head Coach, England Rugby
- James Lightfoot Brown - Attack Coach, Gloucester Rugby
- Adam Powell - Defence Coach, Saracens
- James Craig - Forwards Coach, Northampton Saints
- Nathan Catt - Scrum Coach, England Rugby
England Men’s ‘A’ confirmed 2026/27 fixtures
- England Men’s A vs. Argentina XV – Friday 6 November 2026 – The Recreation Ground, Bath, 19:45 GMT kick-off
- England Men’s A vs. Ireland XV – Saturday 20 February 2027 – Sandy Park, Exeter, 19:00 GMT kick-off
- England Men’s A vs. Chile – Friday 26 February 2027 – Kingsholm, Gloucester, 19:45 GMT kick-off