England Mustn't Go Back to the Dark Ages After Seeing the Light with Running Rugby

The Evolution of English Rugby

For years, English rugby has been synonymous with power, structure, and set-piece dominance. From the triumphant 2003 World Cup-winning squad to the traditional forward-driven game, England built its reputation on physicality and discipline. However, in recent years, the rugby world has shifted towards a more dynamic, running game, and England has been attempting to adapt. The question now is whether the national team can fully embrace this evolution or risk falling back into outdated tactics that may no longer be effective on the global stage.

The Shift Towards a More Dynamic Style

English club rugby, particularly in the Gallagher Premiership, has been leading this transformation. Teams like Harlequins and Northampton Saints have showcased a fast-paced, attacking style that prioritizes ball movement, quick rucks, and creative backline play. Players such as Marcus Smith, Henry Arundel, and Freddie Steward have emerged as key figures in this evolution, demonstrating flair, speed, and adaptability.

Under head coach Steve Borthwick, the England national team began incorporating elements of this approach. During the 2024 Six Nations and subsequent international fixtures, there were glimpses of a more expansive game plan. Yet, inconsistency in execution and reluctance to fully commit to this style raised concerns about England's ability to compete with the best teams in the world.

The Risk of Regression

Despite progress, there remains a danger that England could revert to its old habits—favoring structure over spontaneity, kicking over continuity, and conservatism over creativity. This temptation stems from the belief that a powerful, set-piece-oriented game plan offers security, particularly against strong defensive teams like South Africa and Ireland.

However, rugby has evolved. The success of teams such as France and Ireland in recent years has shown that a balanced approach—blending traditional forward strength with quick transitions and backline innovation—is the key to sustained success. The 2023 Rugby World Cup demonstrated that teams relying solely on physicality struggled against those that could switch between power and pace seamlessly.

Lessons from Other Nations

Looking at the world’s top teams, it becomes evident that the most successful sides have embraced a multi-dimensional game plan. France, under Fabien Galthié, transformed into a team capable of breathtaking attacking play while maintaining their historic forward strength. Ireland, under Andy Farrell, built a team around fast ruck speed and intelligent playmakers who could adapt on the fly.

New Zealand, traditionally the benchmark for attacking rugby, continues to showcase the benefits of developing players who are comfortable with ball in hand across all positions. The All Blacks’ ability to transition from set-piece dominance to free-flowing attack remains unmatched.

For England to compete at this level, they must avoid falling into the trap of predictability. Reverting to a slower, attritional style might work in the short term but will likely lead to long-term struggles against teams that have evolved beyond such tactics.

The Role of Key Players

The key to England’s attacking evolution lies in its player selection and strategic adjustments. The emergence of young, dynamic backs such as Marcus Smith, George Furbank, and Ollie Lawrence has provided the national team with the tools to play a more expansive game. These players thrive on quick ball movement and fluid attacking structures.

Additionally, the role of forwards must also evolve. While England has historically produced world-class props, locks, and back-row enforcers, modern rugby demands that these players contribute beyond the set-piece. Forwards like Maro Itoje and Tom Curry have the athleticism to support a high-tempo game, and it is crucial that England capitalizes on this advantage.

Coaching and Tactical Adjustments

While player selection is vital, the onus ultimately falls on the coaching staff to implement a game plan that maximizes England’s strengths. Steve Borthwick, known for his meticulous attention to detail and structured approach, must balance discipline with creative freedom. England’s attack cannot be overly reliant on crash-ball carries and box kicks; instead, they need to encourage offloads, support play, and quick recycling of possession.

The appointment of a specialist attack coach could be a game-changer. Someone with a proven track record of developing fluid attacking systems, perhaps influenced by Southern Hemisphere rugby, could inject fresh ideas into the team’s strategy.

Embracing the Future

England’s path forward should be clear: they must continue refining their attacking game while maintaining the traditional elements that have made them a formidable rugby nation. This means developing a well-rounded squad where players are comfortable adapting to different scenarios rather than rigidly following a pre-determined game plan.

The risk of regressing to a defensive, kick-heavy approach remains, particularly in high-pressure matches. However, the teams that adapt and evolve are the ones that succeed in modern rugby. England has already glimpsed the light with running rugby—now, they must fully embrace it and resist the urge to step back into the shadows of the past.

If England can find the right balance, they have the potential to compete at the highest level once again. The challenge is clear: move forward with confidence, or risk being left behind in the rapidly evolving world of international rugby.