England coach joins Quins
Wanted man: Paul Gustard will stay with the England squad for the tour to South Africa
England’s World Cup plans were thrown into disarray last night with news that Eddie Jones’s trusted right-hand man, defence coach Paul Gustard, is to take up the head coach post at Harlequins, with the club expected to make an official announcement today.
Gustard, who has worked with the side since Jones took over following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, will see out his duties on the threetest tour to South Africa in June, as England look to arrest a decline in fortunes after three successive defeats saw them record a worstever fifth-place finish in the Natwest Six Nations Championship.
Jones stated in midweek there is “no contingency plan” if the rumours of Gustard’s move to Harlooking lequins were correct. The Daily Telegraph, however, understands there are talks ongoing as to how the void will be filled as England enter the 12-month countdown to the 2019 World Cup in Japan. In the short-term, Jones himself is capable of ensuring the defensive systems put in place by Gustard will continue to be enacted in training.
Gustard’s upbeat personality, however, will be missed. He oversaw a terrific defensive display against the Wallabies on the tour to Australia in 2016. Jones is also without a permanent attack coach, with Scott Wisemantel filling that role in South Africa.
The Harlequins position is a step up for the 42-year-old, who will aim to turn around the fortunes of the London club, who sacked director of rugby John Kingston after finishing 10th in the Aviva Premiership. The club are also in the market for a general manager.
Elsewhere, Chris Ashton is set to make a return to the international stage by playing against England for the Barbarians on Sunday at Twickenham. Telegraph Sport understands Ashton has been made available to the invitational side after Toulon were knocked out of the Top 14 on Friday after a 19-19 draw with Lyon.
Club president Mourad Boudjellal has given his blessing for the 31-year-old to join Pat Lam’s Barbarians squad ahead of their Quilter Cup fixture.