Richard Wigglesworth has been ­promoted to Steve Borthwick’s No 2 as part of England’s finalised coaching staff for the autumn internationals.

Wigglesworth will continue to oversee England’s attack but takes on additional leadership responsibility as well as developing the overall gameplan with New Zealand, ­Australia, South Africa and Japan due at Twickenham next month.

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It is said Wigglesworth played a key role in convincing Borthwick to adopt a more attacking gameplan ­during the Six Nations this year – a move that paid off immediately with victory against Ireland. His ­promotion ­demonstrates his value to ­Borthwick, who has endured a ­summer of turmoil with the ­departures of Aled Walters and Felix Jones from his backroom staff.

Walters – the popular head of strength and conditioning – jumped ship to Ireland, while Jones continues to work his notice remotely, such is the frustration at the Rugby Football Union over his decision to resign eight months into the job.

Wigglesworth, 41, joined the ­England coaching staff in the ­summer of 2023, having finished the season as Borthwick’s replacement at ­Leicester Tigers. His remit has always been attack, though there were question marks over his future when it was announced Jones would join after the 2023 World Cup.

When Kevin Sinfield relinquished defence duties, however, Jones was given the reins and Wigglesworth has developed into Borthwick’s right-hand man. After a summer of upheaval his commitment to the cause has been rewarded.

Borthwick’s close ally, Joe El-Abd, has taken over as defence coach but will continue as the Oyonnax head coach until the end of the season, while Tom Harrison and Andrew Strawbridge continue as scrum coach and coaching adviser respectively. Sinfield is also staying on as skills and kicking coach but on a part-time basis and he will be absent from the autumn Tests against Australia and Japan because he is committed to a speaking tour.

Borthwick has tried to recruit the Saracens team manager, Phil Morrow, to replace Walters in a job-share that would have seen him stay in his role at the north London club, but it was blocked after a vote at a Premiership board meeting on the grounds it may have led to a conflict of interest.

Borthwick is yet to publicly address the upheaval among his backroom staff but will do so on Wednesday when he names his squad for the autumn Tests. He is also expected to ­provide clarity on Jones, who has a 12-month notice period, but will not be part of England’s training camp in Girona this month as he continues to work remotely.

“Richard’s deep knowledge of the game and his excellent tactical understanding means he has become a key figure in our coaching team,” ­Borthwick said. “He shares our ­emotional commitment to English rugby, and I am certain he will play a crucial role in driving the standards of this England team. I am delighted he has agreed to take on this new challenge.”