England poach Waratahs coach

England scored a major coup by signing Tom Tombleson from Super Rugby champions the Waratahs as strength and conditioning coach.

Tombleson joined England for this week's training camp at Loughborough University.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster described it as a "significant" appointment, as they head into a World Cup year and beyond.

"Tom has already fitted in well," Lancaster said.

"He knows his rugby, having played to a high level, and has had a great few seasons with the Waratahs culminating in their Super Rugby title."

Rugby Football Union head of Athletic Performance Matt Parker added: "Tom has an excellent track record in elite rugby.

"He's worked with a number of international players and brings great knowledge and experience to the England performance team. He's joined us at an exciting time and we're confident he'll contribute significantly to the squad."

Tom Tombleson bio:

* Played rugby for London Welsh, Newbury Blues, Northampton Saints, Oxford University, Randwick (Sydney) and England Sevens in the IRB World Sevens Series

* Studied sports science at Loughborough University and obtained a masters degree in the science and medicine of athletic performance at Oxford University, where he was Head of Physical Performance for rugby

* Worked as a strength and conditioning coach at Sydney University Sport and various institutions in United States

* NSW Waratahs strength and conditioning coach between 2009-2014, including Super 15 championship season 2014, and assisted the Wallabies throughout various stages during that period