Brown: We didn’t lose focus over share tips
Mike BROWN has defended england kit man Dave Tennison over the shares tips that resulted in his sacking.
As revealed by Sportsmail, Tennison has been dismissed for gross misconduct after mis-advising players to invest in oil-drilling firm LGO energy during the World Cup.
Players including Sam Burgess, Danny Care and David Wilson reportedly made heavy losses off the back of Tennison’s advice, but Brown dismissed claims that the price crash created friction.
‘it wasn’t a distraction,’ said Brown. ‘Dave was brilliant; a great guy. it’s a shame to see him go because he’s a great guy to have around. You never want to see anyone lose their job. ob.
‘ His work ethic was second to none and he worked so hard. Hee was willing to help at any time: day, night or early in the morning. i thoroughly enjoyed working with him.’
Up to £100,000 was allegedly invested in the shares that havee fallen from £3.27 to 45p 5p since June — prompting ting more negative press coverageverage after the disastrous campaign.
Tennison was sacked for gross misconduct for misuse of the RFU email system, but is appealing the decision that was reached after three hours of questioning.
incoming coach eddie Jones will fly to London to begin the clean-up operation once his visa application is completed, with the RFU expecting confirmation approval within 48 hours.
The Australian was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday but is stuck in Tokyo, where he has been liaising via phone and email, as well as watching club fixtures over the RFU’s central video system.
One of his first jobs will be to sit down with skipper Chris Robshaw, whom he publicly criticised in his Sportsmail column and is expected to relieve of the captaincy duties.
Brown is the bookies’ favourite to take over and, while the Quins full back was reluctant to throw his name in the hat, admitted it would be an honour to lead his country.
‘At the moment, Chris Robshaw is the england captain,’ said Brown. ‘ Until eddie says otherwise, he remains the england captain anand he’s done a brilliant job up to this point.
‘ i haven’t really thought about it because that role’s filled at the moment. Being a captain is a great honour and you’d be flattered if you’re asked to be the captain of a team.’ Following yesterday’s announcement of the autumn schedule — featuring Tests against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia — england now have 13 Tests in 2016.
They will provide Jones with ample opportunity to implement his style, although Brown insists the transition period cannot be used as an excuse for losing.
‘We want to show where we are against the best in the world,’ said Brown. ‘it’s great to play teams like Australia; we owe them one after doing a job on us here last time. even though we were knocked out of the World Cup, i honestly believe we can beat the best teams. We’ve always set ourselves goals of coming first but, for whatever reason, we haven’t. We can’t continue coming second. We are england; we want to win.’
As of yet, neither Brown nor his team-mates have had any direct contact from the new coach. Jones’s first Test will be during the Six Nations, which england have not won since 2011, and Brown admits victory would be the perfect morale boost.
‘ it would give us massive confidence to win a tournament like the Six Nations, but we’ve got to win that opening game against Scotland first,’ said Brown. ‘As soon as the squad meets up, coaches and players will be looking to adapt and hit the ground running.’
Wales will face the full set of world rugby’s top-ranked sides in 2016. Warren Gatland’s side, ranked fourth in the world, were already scheduled to play a three-Test summer series against world champions New Zealand on the back of the Six Nations and a pre-tour friendly against england at Twickenham on May 29.
They will play Test matches against the All Blacks in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin from June 11-25 as well as a tour match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on June 14.
Autumn matches have been arranged against Australia (Nov 5) and semi-finalists Argentina (Nov 12) and South Africa (Nov 26) at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. A fourth autumn fixture on November 19 will be confirmed at a later date.