RETURN: Former England boss Eddie Jones confirmed role for Six Nations - Ruck

RETURN: Former England boss Eddie Jones confirmed role for Six Nations

Eddie Jones is reportedly set to return to the UK this month and take on a role as a television pundit for the Six Nations Championship, which begins in February.

According to I News, the former England boss will make an immediate return to the tournament, though It is not yet confirmed by BBC or ITV which other talent will be joining Jones for the analysis.

In addition to his duties as a pundit, Jones is also expected to assist in coaching a lower-ranked team, such as Georgia or Portugal, at the World Cup later in the year.

The Aussie has a reputation for helping World Rugby develop emerging teams.

England’s new attack coach:

Nick Evans, former New Zealand international and coach for the Harlequins, will join the England senior men’s coaching staff as the attack coach for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations tournament. 

Evans made his debut for the All Blacks in 2004 and played for Super Rugby teams the Highlanders and the Blues.

He joined the Harlequins in 2008 and played for the team 208 times, winning the European Challenge Cup in 2011 and the Premiership in 2012.

After retiring from playing in 2017, he became the attack coach for the Harlequins and helped the team win the Premiership again in 2021. 

England head coach Steve Borthwick said, “Nick brings with him a wealth of different experiences as a player and coach, which will be incredibly valuable to the growth of our team.” 

The tournament begins next month and England’s first game will be against Scotland at Twickenham Stadium on February 4th.

Sir Clive Woodward selects England XV to ‘win the Six Nations’

The former England head coach is backing new head coach Steve Borthwick to get England on a roll by calling up the in-form Premiership stars.

“England can absolutely win the Six Nations and the World Cup. The more I think about it, the more excited I am about Steve Borthwick’s appointment as head coach,” wrote Woodward.

“I’m hugely excited for England’s first game with Scotland. Borthwick is in a good position to bring immediate improvement to the team because the pressure is off him and the only way is up after a disappointing last three years.

“Borthwick needs to nail down who he wants in his starting 15, but especially the key positions of 10, 12 and 13. He has to get the culture right.

“I’d like to see form Premiership players like Ollie Hassell-Collins and Ben Earl given a chance and bring a fresh, youthful vibrancy to the England set-up. Since the 2019 World Cup, Jones picked virtually the same players almost regardless of their club form.

“I think that will change under Borthwick and his selection for the Scotland game is an opportunity to really lay down a marker.”

Sir Clive Woodward England XV

BACK-THREE:

  • 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
  • 14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
  • 11. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)

Woodward wrote: “’”There are some serious speedsters in the Premiership and I don’t think Joe Cokanasiga, Jack Nowell and Jonny May are at the top of the pile.

“I’d love to see him pick from guys like Tommy Freeman, Adam Radwan, Cadan Murley and Ollie Hassell-Collins.”

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

CENTRES:

  • 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
  • 12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

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