Following an impressive Rugby World Cup campaign with Japan Eddie Jones is set to be named the first overseas head coach to take control of the England national side.
The 55-year-old Australian, who stepped down from his role with the Japan national side last month, is apparently the RFU’s preferred choice to take over from the recently departed Stuart Lancaster, whose tenure was questioned as England became the first hosts ever to fail to qualify from the pool stages.
And in an exclusive by the Daily Express, Jones is contemplating stripping flanker Chris Robshaw of the captaincy after publicly questioning the Harlequins player’s place in the side following his nation’s embarrassing elimination.
I just don’t think he’s an open-side flanker. He’s more a 6 and a half,” Jones told Radio 4.
He’s an excellent player, but the first thing you have to do for the captain is to make sure he’s going to be in the team.
Can he find his place as blind-side flanker? I haven’t been looking at England’s players in-depth so I’m really not privy to information on that.
Jones has also been given the final say on the remainder of the coaching staff still associated with the senior squad and could result in any of Graham Rowntree, Mike Catt and Andy Farrell having their contracts terminated should the former Japan coach look to bring in his own faces.
One potential introduction to the coaching staff could be Bristol’s Steve Borthwick, who has previously worked with Jones after helping to mastermind one of the most shocking victories in World Cup history as Japan managed to defeat South Africa only a few weeks ago.
The RFU have also secured a compensation deal with Jones’ current employers, the Stormers of South Africa, for a sum of £100,000 as they look to build towards the 2016 RBS Six Nations.
