Haag: Overseas coaches are blocking jobs

FORMER England U20s head coach Martin Haag has voiced his frustration at having his route back into English top-flight coaching blocked by oversees imports.

Haag, who previously enjoyed successful spells coaching Bristol, Bath and Nottingham before guiding England U20s to World Cup success in 2016, was surprisingly let go by the RFU later that year and is now rebuilding his career with French side Rouen.

Officially, ex-England and Bath lock Haag was described as having ‘resigned’ from his role with the RFU. However, the 49-year-old said: “Losing that England U20s job was a huge blow because I felt we were on the right track.

“I came in earlier that year and won a World Cup in a very short time. That was obviously down to the players as well, but to lose a job which was a dream one for me so soon after that was a bitter pill to swallow.

“These things happen, though, and you just have to bounce back. I’m enjoying coaching again at Rouen and working with Richard Hill, but, ultimately, I’d like to be working in England again and my ambition is to be a director of rugby or head coach.”

Haag’s efforts to find employment at home have so far hit the buffers, with top jobs at Northampton and Worcester being filled by coaches from abroad.

He said: “Unfortunately the avenue to coaching in the Premiership seems to be blocked by a lot of imports. Premiership and PRO 14 clubs seem more and more set on going down the oversees route.

“I believe my record stands comparison with the best – but it’s increasingly difficult for home-grown coaches.”

In tandem with Hill, with whom he worked previously at Bristol, Haag has steered third tier Rouen to the brink of the play-offs for promotion to Pro D2.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air and I’m learning a new language as well, so I’m adding to my CV and I’ll come back to England a better coach.”