Springboks add England analyst Joe Lewis

South Africa have strengthened their backroom team ahead of the 2026 international season by appointing Joe Lewis as performance analyst.

The move comes just weeks before the Springboks face England in the opening round of the new Nations Championship in July.

Springboks Appoint Joe Lewis From England Staff

Lewis will join the Springboks in June after leaving his role with England, where he had been a key part of Steve Borthwick’s support staff.

The Welsh analyst previously worked under Eddie Jones before continuing in a senior analysis role during Borthwick’s tenure. His appointment adds more international experience to the South African management group ahead of a demanding season.

South Africa Build Staff For Nations Championship

The Springboks are preparing for a packed campaign that includes home fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales in the inaugural Nations Championship, as well as a major Test series against New Zealand later in the year.

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus said Lewis brings valuable technical and performance analysis experience gained at both club and international level, including major tournament work over recent years.

“We are delighted to welcome Joe to the Springbok team,” said Erasmus, South Africa’s head coach.

“Given his vast experience in technical and performance analysis at international and club level, we believe he will add great value to the squad as we prepare for a busy and exciting season, and further ahead to the 2027 RWC.

“His roles have seen him gain invaluable experience at the highest level of the game - at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, in the Six Nations competition, and Autumn Nations Cup, among other big tournaments, and we have no doubt he’ll slot into our set-up seamlessly.”

England Lose Key Analyst After Difficult Six Nations

Lewis’s departure comes after a disappointing 2026 Six Nations for England. Borthwick’s side finished fifth, their lowest position of the modern Six Nations era, after losing four of their five matches.

A Rugby Football Union review into that campaign is ongoing, with conclusions expected later in April. The timing of Lewis’s exit adds another layer of interest ahead of England’s meeting with South Africa on July 4 in Johannesburg.