JONES SIGNS ON UNTIL 2021

THE RFU will not stand in Eddie Jones’ way if the England head coach wants to lead the British and Irish Lions to South Africa in 2021. Jones signed a contract extension yesterday to remain in his current role until then. The 57-year-old Australian had previously stated that the 2019 World Cup in Japan would be his swansong but will now stay on for a further two years to oversee a ‘smooth transition’ to a new England coaching team. The RFU hope to appoint a new head coach in 2020 to work with Jones (right) for a year. His new deal runs until August of 2021, but that will not prove a stumbling block if the Lions want him. ‘No, it wouldn’t prohibit Eddie at all,’ said RFU chief Steve Brown. ‘Bear in mind we’re a quarter shareholder in the Lions and we’ll have a say in that, too. ‘If we’re planning for success and we’ve come out of a successful World Cup, and Eddie is right for the Lions, the arrangement won’t preclude that.’ Brown’s predecessor, Ian Ritchie, ruled Jones out of taking charge of the Lions’ tour of New Zealand when asked about his availability in June 2016. However, Brown admitted: ‘We’re not ruling it out. But it’s a way away and there are a lot of things before then — and it’s not entirely our say either.’ Jones’ new deal contains a break clause based on England’s displays at the forthcoming World Cup, but Brown refused to be drawn on specifics. Meanwhile, James Haskell will miss England’s first two Six Nations fixtures against Italy and Wales after being banned for four weeks — reduced from six — for striking Jamie Roberts in the head in Wasps’ defeat by Harlequins in the European Champions Cup.