Eddie in danger as RFU wobble
Eddie Jones was clinging to his job as england head coach last night with sources indicating that the Australian’s position is under serious threat.
Sportsmail understands Jones has proceeded with a planned trip to France this week to assess hotels and training bases for next year’s World Cup despite the backlash to england’s dire autumn series.
Jones is thought to be aware a hardening of the mood against him may now extend to the corridors of power at Twickenham, amid a sense that RFU bosses are losing patience with the run of poor results which has prompted public unrest.
Jones was due to meet RFU chief executive Bill sweeney for a formal review on december 9, but that is likely to be brought forward.
A function involving Jones, senior RFU figures and members of the media was scheduled to take place on Monday, december 5, but that was postponed yesterday on the basis that the autumn review would be in progress at that stage.
it is understood that Conor o’shea, the RFU’s director of performance rugby, is privately seeking feedback from england players. Multiple sources have suggested that the secretive review into Jones and england will not be a cosy formality as it has been in the past.
england won just five of their 12 games in 2022 and were booed off at Twickenham after losing to a second-string south Africa side on saturday.
The RFU last night refused to confirm reports that doctor Richard Tingay had become the latest member of Jones’s backroom staff to leave. The future of danny Kerry, who only joined england before the autumn to improve the team’s culture, is also unclear.
new Zealander scott Robertson and Leicester’s Premiership title winner steve Borthwick are the leading contenders to replace Jones.
Borthwick has been given a ringing endorsement by Leicester’s south African flyhalf Handre Pollard, who said: ‘He’s definitely got the qualities to be an international coach.
‘steve is with Leicester and we’re thankful for that. i’ve not seen anyone like him before. He really dives into the technical and analytical side.
‘He doesn’t speak too much to be honest but his all-round personality means you know where you stand with him.’