Former captain Will Carling will join England head coach Eddie Jones’ backroom staff for the November internationals as a leadership mentor.
Carling begins the part-time role next week and has been handed the portfolio of developing the skills of the leadership group, which includes co-captains Dylan Hartley and Owen Farrell.
Carling made 72 appearances between 1988 and 1997, including 59 as captain, during which time he led England to three Grand Slams and the 1991 World Cup final.
And if the 52-year-old’s appointment as a mentor proves to be a success, he could stay on until the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“I have met Will continuously over the last two years and I think he can add value to the senior players in the squad, with his experience,” Jones told Sky Sports.
“He joins the great past of England to the present.
“It is a similar thing to what the All Blacks have done with great players and I think Will can play that role for us.
“Will is a bit of a specialist in leadership. He understands what made English rugby great, so combining the skill of leadership with the knowledge of English history is a nice resource for us to have.
“I’ve thought about doing this all along, particularly because I’m not English. I can’t preach to the players about having pride in England, I don’t attempt to. I have always said that.
“I’ve thought that we have possibly had a gap in that area.”