Eddie: We want more Lions than anyone
THE Lions have rich benefits for England’s development according to Eddie Jones, and he says he would like to see his side dominate Warren Gatland’s selection for the 2021 tour of South Africa, and also contribute on the coaching front.
When Jones, who had mooted the prospect of 20 England players going a couple of months ago, was asked if his prediction was still on track, he said:
“I might have to have a beer and curry with Warren to find out. That’s our aim, we want to make sure we are the dominant team in Europe – and if you are the dominant team in Europe then you dominate Lions selection.”
The England head coach added: “That would be a great individual recognition of the players’ efforts, but we have got the Nations Cup final and then the Six Nations, so there are still plenty of balls to face before you get to that selection headache.”
Jones said that even though the players “are tired boys” when they return from a Lions tour, there are big advantages from their involvement.
“They get the great benefit of playing in high level games against quality opposition. Experience they pick up from learning against those teams is invaluable.
“There is no doubt that our players’ experience of playing for the (2017) Lions against New Zealand helped us in the (2019) World Cup. They get an understanding of what works and what doesn’t work.
He continued: “It is also the understanding of the other countries’ players having spent six or seven weeks on a Lions tour. They understand what motivates the other players, and where their strengths and weaknesses are. Each country gains that information, but it is certainly valuable.”
Jones confirmed there has also been contact from Gatland about coaches. “Warren has gone round the unions and chatted to the CEOs about potential staff.
“We are open to any opportunity for our staff and coaches to grow. We will wait and see. We saw the benefits of it with Steve Borthwick going on the Lions tour in 2017 and coming back having added more to his coaching repertoire. We would certainly be open to those ideas.”