Send my Sarries to Africa’
EDDIE JONES has given his seal of approval to ambitious plans to send some of Saracens’ England stars on loan to South African sides.
England coach Jones wants to map out a strategy for the likes of Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and the Vunipola brothers, Billy and Mako, for when Sarries are down in the Championship next season.
One option being explored is allowing short-term loan deals to Super Rugby sides.
And Jones said: “We will sit down with Saracens and look at players individually, but certainly that could be an option for some who would benefit from the experience.
“Conor O’shea, RFU performance director, and I went out to Saracens to have a chat a couple of weeks ago.
“We decided we will meet again post-november Tests – and sit down for every individual player then, and work out a plan for each.
“That’s the great opportunity here. If you look at the players we are talking about, Mako is 29 and has played 60-odd Tests, and played continuously since the last World Cup.
“What he needs to be at his best is different from
Elliot Daly, who is 27 and has played 40-odd Tests.”
Any player loans are likely to come after the Six Nations, for around four matches ahead of the Lions tour to South Africa.
England are in action again next month, and Jones added: “We haven’t decided yet, but there’s no reason why Owen Farrell wouldn’t be captain.”
Eddie Jones is an Umbro ambassador. Umbro will be launching its new England r ugby kit t omorrow. For more information visit: www.umbro.co.uk/rugby