Gats would top England list, insists McGeechan
RUGBY legend Sir Ian McGeechan says Warren Gatland would be top of the list for the England job – if it were available today.
The Rugby Football Union will seek a successor to Eddie Jones when he leaves his post after the 2023 World Cup, triggering speculation about who they might appoint.
McGeechan has given his own take in a column for the Telegraph, where he said former Wales boss Gatland would be perfect for the job at the moment and will doubtless come under consideration when Jones goes.
“I do not think there is any single ‘right’ approach. England need to take the best candidate available whether from home or abroad, whether he is English or Kiwi, whether he has worked within the system or not,” said McGeechan.
“If you were offering the job to someone tomorrow, the person at the top of my list, for a twoyear appointment to take England to the next World Cup, would probably be Warren Gatland.
“Simply because Gats has the experience, the track record, knows the players, would be able to gel everyone together and is reasonably available.”
However, McGeechan stressed: “But the RFU is looking to appoint someone in two years’ time.
“That opens up a whole raft of potential candidates.”
He threw in the names of Rob Baxter and Mark McCall as options, but hinted they may prefer to remain with Exeter and Saracens respectively.
“Those conversations need to happen sooner,” said McGeechan.
“Certainly, if either was interested, he should come under consideration.
“The two other big hitters, and again they would be near the top of my list if you were offering the role to someone tomorrow, would be John Mitchell and Andy Farrell.
“They have experience of working within the England setup, the former under Eddie, which would ensure a measure of continuity commands respect.
“Coaches who might be deemed too young or inexperienced now – Lee Blackett, Alex Sanderson, Steve Borthwick – could come into the reckoning if they continue to impress at their clubs.”
McGeechan added that the person “arguably best placed to make a charge” is England forwards coach Richard Cockerill, the former boss of Leicester and Edinburgh.