RFU Confirms new men's pathway coaching structure

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) can today confirm Mark Mapletoft will step into a new role of Head of England Men’s Player Pathways, with Andy Titterrell assuming the title of head coach for the England U20 Men. 

In his second stint leading the U20 Men’s side, Mapletoft guided England to U20 Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship glory in 2024 with Titterrell as assistant coach. The 53-year-old's extensive experience within the pathway includes working in the National Academy between 2007 and 2010, taking charge of Harlequins’ senior and academy sides to then return to the national set up with the England U18 Men in 2020.  

The former Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins and London Irish fly-half will now work on further aligning the England U17 to U20 programmes whilst liaising closely with Steve Borthwick’s England men’s team and PREM Rugby clubs on players of national interest who have graduated from the age-group national teams in recent years. Mapletoft will also lead the England Men’s A side as head coach, who kick-off their season against the All Blacks XV at the Recreation Ground on Saturday 8th November. 

After joining the England Rugby Men’s Pathway from Wasps in 2020, Titterrell now progresses into the head coach role for the U20 Men. He was capped six times at senior level whilst also touring with the 2005 British & Irish Lions and representing his country at pathway and Men’s A level.  

The former PREM Rugby-winning hooker will work alongside former Saracens centurion and coach Kevin Sorrell, who will lead on backs coaching in the U20 set-up and aligning defence principles across the men’s pathway. 

Sorrell recently departed Saracens after a 30-year association with the north Londoners, including over 300 playing appearances with six league and three European title wins as coach. 

England U18 Men’s head coach Jonathan Pendlebury and assistant coach Will Parkin continue their roles in the pathway programme, leading the annual front five and U18 backs specialist camp at Bisham Abbey later this month.  

RFU Executive Director of Performance Conor O’Shea said: "Today’s new appointments reinforce our aims as a union to support young players to excel in world-leading England teams. 

“Mark [Mapletoft] has done a stellar job in helping realign the age-grade system since returning and his role will enable us to continue to build upon that work within the pathway. 

“We are incredibly excited to see Andy take on the head coach role of the U20 programme and we look forward to this new chapter for him alongside Kevin. Everyone in rugby can see the amount of talent that is coming through the clubs into England, and we are always aiming to make this better and better. We all believe the next phase for English Rugby is going to be very special.” 

Head of England Men’s Player Pathways, Mark Mapletoft, added: “Whilst my time with the U20s has come to a close, it’s important to emphasise the involvement I’ll continue to have with the operations and planning with the pathway sides.  

“Recent years have evidenced plenty of progression for the men’s pathway with unbeaten tours and silverware, but we have room to grow and ensure that we continue to strengthen the road to the senior men’s team.  

“It’s an exciting time for English rugby with plenty of new success stories. With continued collaboration with PREM clubs and other stakeholders, we’re determined to ensure we add value to player experience and deliver more stories of progression.” 

“It’s a great privilege to be entrusted with the role of leading our U20 side alongside Kev [Sorrell],” said Andy Titterrell.  

“The last three years of working with Mark have been a pleasure and the paramount focus of the programme remains to deliver high performance standards whilst building a platform for players to express their talents freely. 

“Crucial work has already begun for the U20s team this offseason with touchpoint visits to clubs as we look to build towards our Elite Player Squad announcement later this month.” 

Following his appointment as England U20 Men’s assistant coach, Kevin Sorrell commented: “After tracking the progression of Saracens players in the pathway over the years, it’s an honour to now be part of the England system.  

“Having a significant role in the union’s player development, in tandem with excellent coaches and staff, fills me with immense pride and excitement for what’s to come. 

“I believe I’m joining at a crucial period of growth of our men’s pathway and am eager to work with a set of special players in the coming months.”