Six Kiwis who could take over as England head coach
OPINION: Steve Hansen says he’s not interested in coaching England and why would Joe Schmidt abandon Six Nations champions Ireland for Twickenham?
But there are other Kiwi coaching alternatives if the Rugby Union gin swillers ever grow tired of Eddie Jones.
1: WARREN GATLAND
Has already coached Ireland and Wales, so why not England? Gatland is due to end his 12-tenure with Wales after the 2019 World Cup. He’ll still be only 56 then and could fancy another international challenge if the All
Blacks’ door is closed although he’d never be able to set foot in the Welsh valleys again. No doubting his pedigree after three Six Nations titles with Wales (including two Grand Slams), a Lions series win in Australia and a drawn rubber with the All Blacks. After 142 test matches with Ireland, Wales and the Lions, he’s one of the most experienced international coaches of all time. 2: VERN COTTER
Already had international coaching experience, transforming Scotland from Six Nations easybeats before being replaced by homegrown Scot Gregor Townsend. Has been successful in the tough French Top 14 competition, taking Clermont to the 2009-10 title. Now in charge of Top 14 leaders Montpellier. His reputed $1 million a year salary puts him in England’s pay bracket.
3: ROBBIE DEANS
The most experienced international coach, waiting in the wings. All Blacks assistant from
2001 to 2003 and spent six seasons as Wallabies head coach. Sacked after a series defeat to Gatland’s Lions and a barren Bledisloe Cup. Yet the Wallabies were ranked second in the world under Deans – a far cry from their current status. Now coaching club rugby in Japan and guiding the Barbarians. Experienced enough, but would he want the pressures of test rugby again?
4: CHRIS BOYD
Heading to England later this year to become director of rugby at the sleeping giant Northampton Saints. Has proved pretty astute at the Hurricanes, who he led to the
2016 Super Rugby title and has had overseas experience alongside John Plumtree at the Sharks in South Africa. Renowned for his player management skills and tactical plans. Could he step straight into test rugby? He certainly seems to have the savvy and maturity.
5: WAYNE PIVAC
Despite winning the NPC and the Ranfurly Shield with Auckland, the ex-policeman doesn’t get the credit he deserves in his native land, but they rave about him in Wales. The former Fiji coach took the Scarlets to last year’s Pro12 rugby crown. Pivac has revolutionised the way the Llanelli-based team play, invoking memories of the halcyon Phil Bennett days. His influence has also spread to the national team with up to 10 Scarlets players in Wales’ Six Nations squad. Regarded as a contender to succeed Gatland as next Wales coach.
6: JOHN MITCHELL
The former Waikato stalwart was on England’s coaching staff 20 years ago under Sir Clive Woodward. The peripatetic coach has had plenty of stamps on his passports since, coaching the Chiefs and the All Blacks before stints in Perth, South Africa and the United States. Paid the price for losing the 2003 Rugby World Cup semifinal, yet his All Blacks’ record wasn’t anywhere as bad as his press conference performances. Now just starting his rugby rehab with South Africa’s Bulls, and probably needs to prove himself in the Super arena before trying test footy again. Only 53, so time is on his side.