Jones, who has previously managed Australia and, at the recent World Cup, Japan, as well as working as a technical director for South Africa when they won the World Cup in 2007, has joined England having taken over at Stormers in September.
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Whatever happens his regime will be different to the one that went before, and the appointment of Jones is another example of English sport’s penchant for the “flip flop”, says Tom Fordyce of the BBC.
“We promised to recruit a coach with proven global experience and we have done that”, Ritchie said. If [former England captain] Steve [Bothwick] is one of those guys we need going forward then we will have that discussion.
“If they can’t, then I will look elsewhere”. Although I was initially named in the 50-man World Cup training squad, I felt from the start that I would not be involved in the tournament.
“I see part of my job is to develop England coaches to take over”. I want to make sure that the staff that we’re all thinking the same way, that is the important thing.
“The rule is if you want to play for England you play in the Premiership and the rule is there for a reason”.
“I have learned to be soft as I got older”.
“It’s a big pity to lose Eddie before he has even had an opportunity to make his mark here but you can not keep someone against his will, whilst also competing with the richest rugby union at the same time”, said Wakefield. Traditionally speaking, England have been strong at set-piece and had a bulldog defence. The game of rugby is pragmatic.
“What we have to do is create a unique style of play, a style that suits us – one that the players can believe in”.
“I’ll definitely sing it up in Scotland but I don’t think I will be like Heyneke Meyer does with South Africa and go on the field with the players during the anthems”. We are not going to copy the All Blacks.
Premiership coaches up and down the land must now be scratching their heads and contemplating a path out of the country if they want to break into the Test arena.
“When we got down to pitch level it seemed as if everyone was crying”. Jones fulfils that criteria following spells with Australia, South Africa and Japan that straddle three World Cups. “When Jones crashes against the walls of England’s rugby establishment – and this is an inevitability – then the battle will be fierce”. He’s a bit older [seven years] so has given me the odd bit of advice here and there, which I’ve appreciated.
“I do think it’s an enormous plus point that Eddie has this developmental track record of coaches”.
“There’s always an opportunity to change things and he’s in exactly the same position”.
When asked if a sensitive approach was needed with Robshaw, who was heavily criticised for refusing a late shot at goal against Wales that would have secured a crucial draw in September’s World Cup showdown at Twickenham, Jones said: “Chris has got a nice café in Winchester”.
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‘It has got to be the best job in world rugby because there is talent here, ‘ he said.
