Coaching duo stand down from positions

ENGLAND assistant coaches Simon Amor and Jason Ryles are stepping down from their roles in Eddie Jones’ backroom team.

Jones will begin the search for a new man to oversee the attack after Amor and the Rugby Football Union “mutually decided” to part company, while Australian skills coach Ryles has stepped down because of the challenges created by the pandemic.

The departures come after the Red Rose slumped to their worst ever Six Nations performance, triggering an RFU review, which declined to criticise Jones.

However, former Team GB sevens boss Amor appears to have paid the price for the team’s blunt attack after 15 months in the role.

Having impressed during shorter spells with Jones’ coaching staff, Ryles joined on a full-time basis last October after winning the NRL Grand Final with Melbourne Storm.

But he was unable to join up with England during the Six Nations due to the travel restrictions caused by coronavirus, instead remaining with his family in Australia.

“I’d like to thank Simon and Jason for their contributions to England,” Jones said. “I would like to commend Simon’s outstanding diligence and his hard work, and I have no doubt he will find a role soon that suits him perfectly.

“With Jason, the Covid restrictions have proved too difficult for him and his family to overcome, which we understand but are disappointed for us and the team.

“They both leave with the best wishes of everyone involved with England and for their future pursuits in the game.”

Jones will oversee the attack for England’s fixtures against the United States and Canada, plus for the ‘A’ international against Scotland ‘A’, with defence coach John Mitchell and forwards coach Matt Proudfoot continuing in their existing roles.

■ Harlequins are targeting a fourth consecutive Premiership win that would cement their play-off place when they face Leicester today.

Quins, fresh from last Sunday’s dramatic victory over Wasps, are locked in a battle with Sale for third and could finish as high as second with four rounds of the regular season remaining.

Saturday’s second fixture sees Wasps host the bottom-placed Worcester Warriors with the aim of keeping their Champions Cup qualification hopes alive.

Bristol and Gloucester do not play until Monday, with the West derby held over in order to allow fans to attend the match, with restrictions easing after the weekend.

Bath Rugby played host to Sale Sharks last night.

David Rogers/Getty Images > England attack coach Simon Amor has left his role with the Red Rose