Next England rugby coach

[anonymous-user]

It’s being reported that the RFU is now looking for a coach to take over from Eddie Jones after the 2023 RWC. Specifically, that the candidate will work with/under Jones into the RWC - much as Hansen and Galthie did with their predecessors - and that the appointee will be English.

The rationale for English is that England has a lot of good coaches and the RFU wants a coach who will coach an English style of play (whatever that means). Oh, and it encourages the growth of English coaches.

Personally not convinced either of the first two reasons is good enough to limit the pool of candidates. And the third is back to front.

The assistant coach/understudy plan rules out Farrell snr, Edwards, Pivac, Erasmus.

Like Jones or not, he has the highest % of wins of any England coach in history. And he is the only England coach who isn’t English. Not convinced the “the coach must be English” approach is a good idea, or a step forward, or a step in the right direction.

[DeejRC]

It’s the RFU being the RFU again, situation normal. Everybody knows what should happen…approach Edwards now and ask if he is interested in a gentleman’s agreement of coaching Eng after the French WC.

But the RFU is never that sensible, logical or competent.

[Rockettvr]

Simon Middleton would fit the criteria.
English
Currently doing good things for the English Womens team so already contracted to RFU
Would be free for a new appointment after the Womens World Cup later this year
Would give him a year as part of Jones’s support team before taking over post World Cup 2023

[PhilboSE]

Everyone’s waiting for the musical coaching chairs after the RWC and the good ones will be hoping for their package to rise after a good run in the tournament.

If you want someone to understudy now to take over after then the pool of available talent is extremely limited. Can’t see it happening.

Edited by PhilboSE on Sunday 3rd April 12:14