The words that Stuart used to express his decision are again a reflection of the extremely dignified and honourable man that England’s, now former head coach, is.
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Highlighted his credentials with Japan at this year’s World Cup, masterminding the shock opening victory over South Africa and two other pool stage wins.
What he said: When asked about his future on 9 November, Cheika said: “I’m [contracted] to 2017 and for me it’s irrelevant whether I’m on to 2019 or 2017 or 2016, I want to do the best so the team is in the right position to keep getting better”.
Cheika, who was named last week as World Rugby’s coach of the year, was reportedly contacted by Jason Leonard, the RFU president and former England World Cup-winning prop, about whether the 48-year-old would be interested in the Twickenham job.
Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said Wednesday that England were determined to appoint a coach of “proven worldwide experience” in succession to Stuart Lancaster – however long it took.
The 46-year-old has paid the price for a dismal tournament that saw his team fail to get out of the pool stages following defeats to Wales and Australia, becoming the first hosts to suffer that fate. The shares subsequently plummeted in value to leave players out of pocket, although it is understood Lancaster and his coaching team had no knowledge of Tennison’s supposed shares advice.
Greenwood added England lacked the experience at the recent World Cup to compete with the game’s top nations.
“That’s because if you don’t have an English head coach, it says to all the coaches who are English and working their way up through the system: You will not get the job unless you go overseas and coach internationally first”. This action was unanimously endorsed by the RFU board’.
Head coach of Bath, who were beaten Premiership finalists last season, and father of England flyhalf George Ford.
Mallinder replaced early favourite Michael Cheika, the current Australia coach.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Stuart and I wish him well for the future”.
What he said: Writing in the Daily Mail on 4 October, he said: “If England approached me, would I listen to them?”
But with everything set up for England to go deep in the tournament – home advantage, the draw, confidence-boosting warm-up results – four years of planning were wasted when Lancaster and the selectors made poor choices before and during the tournament.
“I think as well therefore Sam made that contribution, his selection for the squad was made on the basis of rugby and that was the selection made by the head coach”.
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“The assistant coaches remain under contract”. Who does after being forced to resign because they’ve failed on such a spectacular level?
