Saracens coach Ian Peel has opened up about why he rejected a job offer from England boss Steve Borthwick ahead of the Gallagher Premiership final.
Reports earlier this year Borthwick had indicated that Peel, aged 47, was his preferred candidate to succeed Richard Cockerill as England’s permanent scrum coach.
“There were a number of people going for the job and there was no guarantee that I would get it, but I didn’t want to go through the whole interview process only to tell Steve that I didn’t want to proceed,” revealed Peel to The Telegraph.
“It was the toughest decision of my career. I loved working with Steve when I first came to Sarries and did a dual role, working with England during the 2016 Six Nations, when he was assistant to Eddie Jones.
“There is also the attraction of starting in a World Cup year, working with a strong squad and being part of a good coaching team. My mum and dad would also have been super proud.
“My family are all massive rugby fans and I think they were keen for me to take the job so they could get tickets to England games.”
England have three options to replace Steve Borthwick in case of World Cup disaster
Steve Borthwick has had to face tough questions already during his short reign as England’s preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup continues.
A troubling run of form leading up to the World Cup could spell the end if the them en in white don’t come up with the goods at the tournament proper.
RUCK takes you through three coaches who could be sought out if Borthwick is given his marching orders after leading the nation to France…
Rob Baxter
Rob Baxter, who guided the Devon-based club from the Championship to European champions in 10 years has done this largely with a core of players that have come through the academy at Exeter.
With this season’s club performance not at the level of previous years, it may be time for him to move on and into the Test game in the near futuree.
Although Baxter joined the England coaching team for the summer tour to Argentina and Uruguay in March 2013, he has no experience outside of Exeter. “I would be happy to have a chat about what the role is, how they see it working and what their plans and ambitions are,” Baxter said of the England job back in December.
“Unless you know what it is, it’s hard to say yes or no to anything. At the same time, I’m not looking for another job! I’m very happy here,” he added.
