The Rugby Football Union have reportedly opened negotiations with their choice to replace Eddie Jones following the 2023 Rugby Word Cup.
According to the Mail Online, England will move to make popular Kiwi Scott Robertson their new head coach.
They’ve reported that he is one of the RFU’s ‘preferred candidates’ from a shortlist comprised by Nigel Redman.
Tigers boss Steve Borthwick had previously been the odds-on favourite, but it was confirmed the RFU has backtracked on their intention to appoint an Englishman as head coach.
Former Wales boss Warren Gatland has also been among the bookies favourites.
Scott Robertson facts:
- Robertson showed huge ambition as he outlined a goal to win the World Cup with two different countries
- His position as a player was flanker and he played for Bay of Plenty, Perpignan, Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks
- Robertson is known for his post victory match break dancing routine
England miss out on Shaun Edwards:
France defence coach Edwards has revealed he talked to England before signing his latest contract extension with France.
“People have asked if I wanted to join England but there was no offer on the table,” wrote Edwards in his column for the Mail Online.
“I went for a walk down the River Thames with Bill Sweeney, the RFU CEO, last year but there’s not been much conversation since. It’s not for me to push that.
“We’re in a cost of living crisis, with clubs like Wasps and Worcester sadly going out of business.
“I remember how close I was to having no job after the 2015 World Cup and I don’t need any more of those sleepless nights.”
Eddie Jones to continue:
Senior figures within USA Rugby want Eddie Jones to coach their national team for their confirmed home Rugby World Cup in 2031, according to RUCK sources.
They are ready to give the Aussie a huge contract and unlimited backing after the Eagles failed to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Jones has previously been is given a lot of credit for the development of the Japanese national team prior to their home World Cup in 2019.
The Aussie, who would be 71 in 2031, famously led the Brave Blossoms to a historic win against the Springboks in 2015 is thought to be The Eagles top target.
USA bosses are under no illusion that the nations, who currently sit 19th in the Men’s World Rankings below the likes of Uruguay and Spain, have plenty of work to do to be competitive for their home World Cup.
Five changes England must make for the Springboks:
#1. Jack van Poortvliet
Telegraph 3/10: “His worst game in an England shirt. His loose pass got intercepted by Dalton Papali’i while he got exposed by Ardie Savea at the base of the ruck. “
Planet Rugby 3/10: “Dreadful day for the young scrum-half. Bad error for the intercept and then got caught a couple of times.”
Mail Online 3/10: “Nightmare third start for youngster and interception pass on four minutes put England on back foot.”
Rugby Pass 6/10: “A kicking error soon followed, as did the horribly intercepted pass for the opening Dalton Papali’i try, and it didn’t get better, a soft ruck knock-on and a blocked kick by Scott Barrett further blotting his report card. Gone on 53 minutes.”
Replacement: Ben Youngs