Dylan Hartley has urged the RFU to extend Eddie Jones’ contract.
The former England captain wrote in the Daily Mail that the Aussie, who he served under as captain for two and half years, is ‘100 per cent’ the man for the job.
“A lot of people have been chucking stones at Eddie Jones but my message for the RFU is clear: give him a new contract,” wrote Hartley.
“Dave at the pub might disagree because he’s mildly offended by something Eddie’s said, but having been his captain for two and a half years, I think he’s the man for the job,
“In my opinion, they should pin their colours to the mast and say: ‘Rugby World Cup 2023, here we come, this is our main man.’ Go for it.”
You can read Hartley’s full column by clicking here.
Rugby Union’s most banned XV: The notorious Bad Boys!
Fullback: PERCY MONTGOMERY
The Springboks star was handed a two-year ban after he pushed touch judge Peter Rees to the ground while playing for Newport against Swansea at St Helens in May 2003, but 18 months of the punishment was suspended. He was also fined £15,000 over the incident.
Winger: DELON ARMITAGE
A disciplinary committee recently described Armitage as “an habitual offender” with “an appalling disciplinary record”.
In January 2011, he was suspended for eight weeks following a verbal and physical altercation with an anti-doping official after playing for London Irish against Bath.
Two years later, having moved to Toulon, he received another eight-week ban after a tip tackle against Montpellier.
And in December of last year, he was banned for 12 weeks for using abusive language towards Leicester fans, a punishment reduced to eight weeks on appeal.
Centre: SIRELO NAQELEVUKI
In 2007, the Fijian flier, who has had spells with Western Province and Exeter, tested positive for cannabis after representing his country in the IRB Sevens in George, South Africa. He was banned from playing rugby for three months. Played at prop in sevens and wing or centre in 15-a-side.
Centre: SERU RABENI
Having only just returned from a three-week ban for a high tackle on Newcastle’s Jamie Noon, Leicester’s Fijian centre Rabeni was then found guilty of eye-gouging Saracens hooker Andy Kyriacou in March 2008 and suspended for 14 weeks by a RFU disciplinary hearing.
Winger: WENDELL SAILOR
Wallaby winger Sailor was given a two-year suspension after testing positive for cocaine after playing a match for the NSW Waratahs in April 2006. The dual code star returned to rugby league in 2008 once his ban expired and has gone on to host television show Australia’s Greatest Athlete.