Redpath conflicted over son’s England ambitions
Scot is still getting used to thought of Cameron in the rival camp – and to his new life in finance
had three or four opportunities to train at Pennyhill Park with Jonny Wilkinson. Imagine what that must be like for a teenager? George Ford and Owen Farrell have also been very good with him and he loved being at Twickenham last week seeing the level of fitness, intensity and the speed that it is done at.”
Until Cameron represents England at senior level or in the disbanded Saxons, then the option to switch back remains available.
“If you are basing it on emotion then of course I would want him to play for Scotland, 100 per cent,” Redpath said. “But you can’t ignore the financial realities. Being an English-qualified player is a lot
‘Against Scotland, he ended up singing both anthems – I think he was a bit confused’
more valuable to Premiership clubs and both Sale and Sedbergh have been outstanding in his development. As long as he is enjoying his rugby and happy in his decision then we will support him whichever way he goes.” Redpath smiles even as he instinctively grits his teeth.
The opportunity of spending more time with his children Cameron, Amy (19) and Murray (15) played a large role in his resignation as Yorkshire Carnegie head coach last year. Redpath is surprisingly at peace with his decision. Only on particularly sunny days does he pine to be out of the office and coaching again.
“That’s the best part of coaching – seeing the boys prepare well and then put it out on the pitch,” Redpath said. “Will I ever get that buzz back? I don’t know.”
What he does not miss is the pressure that seeps into every pore. Even the buzz of victory could not stop hundreds of questions pouring into his head. What if we win the next two games? Can we afford to renew that player’s contract?
“Rugby is a business,” Redpath said. “It is not becoming a business, it is one and that means some of the fun element of sport disappears. It is like football. The pressure for results is far greater than it was five-10 years ago. Chairmen demand a lot, understandably so because it is their money. So do fans who are so passionate about their club. Nearly of all that falls on to the coach at the top.”
Rugby has taken a heavy toll on Redpath. Knee surgery next week will be the 12th on his battered body. No 13 (shoulder) is also on the horizon. He does not completely rule out a return to coaching, but is enjoying his foray into the world of finance. “It is all very different,” Redpath says. “Everything in rugby is built around the collaborative whereas here targets are a lot more individual.”
Redpath will be watching this weekend’s Calcutta Cup from a bar in London. “To beat England, you will need some fortune,” Redpath said. “You need rain, lightning or something along those lines. Otherwise you will probably need England to play at 60-70 per cent because this is right up there as one of the best-ever England sides.
“I think Finn Russell will play well. Gregor [Townsend] has shown a lot of support. It wouldn’t surprise me if he has a big game and makes something happen. Stranger things have happened.” As strange as a Scotland captain’s son representing the Auld Enemy.