It’s no big deal, England have far bigger questions
I DON’T see the departure of Paul Gustard from the England set-up as any great drama or worrying sign. In fact, it could freshen everything up at precisely the right time. These things happen in professional sport and ultimately it won’t have a huge bearing on whether England win the World Cup. In the run-up to 2003 we lost Brian Ashton for personal reasons. Brian was a terrific coach but other people step up. It is how you handle situations like this that separates the good from the great. Eddie Jones was brought in as a consultant very late in proceedings by South Africa coach Jake White leading up to the 2007 World Cup. There is no template, just the way that works best for you. England and Eddie will be judged by results in Japan next year, he knows that and I hope every England player fully understands that. Talented young coaches are made offers that are very difficult to ignore and a tough decision needs to be made. Often the timing is not ideal but you shake hands and move on. Harlequins should be congratulated for taking the English route for such a big appointment and well done to Gustard for being chosen — I am totally in favour of anything that recognises and promotes English coaches. That said, I can’t imagine Andy Robinson or Phil Larder, who were my two key coaches, being enticed away just over 12 months before a World Cup, although it’s a slightly different dynamic when a huge opportunity presents itself for a relatively inexperienced coach on the way up like Gustard. One thing that does surprise me with his appointment is that it seems as though he will still be with England in South Africa. I’m not sure about that. Deep down, his mind will be on Quins. Eddie is probably at his best as a hands-on coach and for a quickfire three-match tour is well capable of taking on an even bigger coaching role. The biggest issue for Eddie is selecting the very best England team, getting them on the pitch in the right frame of mind and instilling in them a confidence and desire to go out and give full expression to their very considerable talent. Are England maximising their talent? Will he start Danny Cipriani at 10? Is he considering moving Elliot Daly to centre? Will Jamie George or Luke Cowan-Dickie emerge as first-choice hooker? Is there any way back for Dylan Hartley? Does Mike Brown continue at full back? Is it time for Dan Robson to get a start at nine? These questions are more important than why is England’s defence coach taking up a major job at Quins.