McGuigan, who guided Dale to promotion to English National League 2 North last season, will support the England set-up in a combined role, joining the national team during the international windows of the 2025/26 season while continuing his club duties.
The former Scotland international, who is defence coach at English Gallagher Prem side Sale Sharks, has played for Rossendale this season – most recently the 29-3 home defeat to Wharfedale earlier this month.
The 36-year-old, who took on the role at Sale in November 2024, will support the England set-up in a combined role, joining the national team during the international windows of the 2025/26 season while continuing his club duties.
In his England role, McGuigan will work closely with assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge on the collision area, helping to develop players’ contact skills. He will also focus on the back three, sharing his experience as a former international winger to help enhance their skills and tactical understanding.
McGuigan has previously worked with England on the coaching staff for the successful summer tour of Argentina and the USA.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to coach within the international environment again and I’m very grateful to Sale for supporting me in taking on this opportunity alongside my club role,” he told the Sale Sharks website.
“I love the challenge and enjoy working with a talented group of players and coaches. I’m honoured to play a part in what this group is creating.
“We have built a strong defensive system here at Sale — one that I’m proud of — but it’s never perfect; there’s always room to develop and improve.
“It was a huge privilege to be involved with England during the summer and I believe that gaining this exposure within the international environment provides a great platform for me to learn and drive standards for both Sale and England.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Byron is a coach who is so recently removed from playing that he’s able to tap into the emotions of the players and understand what they’re feeling. He can inspire intent from the players because it’s only been a couple of years since he was at the coal face himself.
“He inspires the lads to want to put their bodies on the line but layered onto that, his game intelligence, his rugby IQ and his understanding of defensive shape, particularly in the wider channels is excellent.
“He really cares about the club and the team, he’s a fantastic communicator and he has a rapport with the players that means he can deliver honest feedback and they’ll take it on board.”
During his playing career, McGuigan made over 100 appearances for Sale Sharks during his playing career and earned 10 caps for Scotland. He retired at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Prior to retiring, ‘Horse’ – as he is nicknamed – had a long-held passion for coaching and had held several roles at grassroots clubs including Sandbach, Bowden and, most recently, Rossendale.
England head coach Borthwick is looking forward to working with McGuigan again.
He said: “Byron is a knowledgeable and driven coach with a real passion for improving players.
“He has an excellent understanding of the game, both as an international player and now as a coach. I’m looking forward to the impact he’ll make during the autumn.”
* England begin their 2025 Quilter Nations Series campaign on Saturday, November 1, when they host Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (kick-off 3.10pm), followed by matches against Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina.
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