Ex-England coach set to become Georgia head coach

Tuesday, 01 September 2020 at 09:31

bySteven Smith

Former England skills coach Rory Teague has emerged as a shock contender to become the next Georgia boss, according to The Rugby Paper.

They have been searching for a new head coach sine Mike Haig's departure, who departed after nine years in charge to take over Suntory Goliath in the Japanese Top League.

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Former England stars Graham Rowntree and Joe Worsely, who were part of his backroom staff, have been put in temporary charge.

Teague is available following his exit from Gloucester in July, which came a week after George Skivington was appointed head coach at Kingsholm.

A statement released by the Premiership club read: “Gloucester today announce that Rory Teague is leaving the club. With the appointment of George Skivington as head coach, it has been agreed with Rory that he will seek opportunities elsewhere.”

LIST | 6 players who could have played for other countries but didn’t

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Here are five of the biggest stars who could have played for England, but didn’t.

1. James Haskell - Wales

The hulking England forward opened up about his Welsh heritage to BBC Wales. He said: “I’m actually half Welsh, and I’m fully Welsh qualified, so I could have quite happily played for Wales,”

2. Michael Hooper - England

He would have qualified to Play for England through his father, who was born and raised in Kent. Considered one of the world’s best flankers, the 99-cap flanker hit international headlines as he mastered the field alongside revered teammate David Pocock on the Rugby World Cup stage in 2015.

3. Jonathan Davies - England

A key man on two successful Lions tours, the leader of the Welsh back-line, and at the heart of the Scarlets revival. If there’s a player who can cut better lines than Davies then I’m yet to see him. Born in Solihull, arguably the best centre in the world could have played for England.

4. Martin Johnson - New Zealand

In 1989 he was approached by former All Black Colin Meads to try out for the King Country side in New Zealand. In 1990 he was even selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia playing a side that included another of the all-time great lock forwards, John Eales. He eventually returned to England and thankfully represented them instead of the All Blacks.

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5. Hamish Watson - England

One of the most consistent back-rowers in the Six Nations, Watson has accumulated 32 caps since making his Scotland debut in 2015. The flanker was actually born in Manchester, making him eligible to play for England.

6. Dan Carter -Ireland

The 33-year-old has revealed in his newest book that if things were different, he may very well have played for the green of Ireland, rather than his native country. And it's all down to some undisclosed Irish blood on his father's side.