Coach Baxter rules self out of England race

London:

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has ruled himself out of the running to become England head coach when Eddie Jones leaves the job.

Baxter, speaking on the Will Greenwood podcast on Sky Sports, admits he’s happy at the Chiefs and feels that tips the balance on any decision.

RFU interim chief Nigel Melville has revealed they will talk to several head coaches ahead of replacing Jones, whose contract expires in 2021. But it seems clear that Baxter is not interested in the role as he looks to continue his good work for the Premiership side at Sandy Park.

“I would say it would be unlikely if I’m honest with you,” Baxter said.

“Obviously it’s an accolade and it’s coaching at a high level. What would really excite me is working with a different group of players, some of the best players in the country which means that they’re some of the best players in the world.”

Baxter added: “I’ve got unfinished business with [Exeter]. I like being the director of rugby at Exeter, I work with people I like. It’s an enjoyable situation; I work with players I like and I want to see the fruition of where the club

Quebec:

Adonis Stevenson suffered a “traumatic brain injury” after being knocked out by Oleksandr Gvozdyk, his doctor has confirmed.

The 41-year-old was stretchered from the ring and taken to hospital after he was stopped in the 11th round in Quebec on Saturday night. “Mr Stevenson underwent surgery on the night of Saturday to Sunday and has since been admitted to the intensive care,” said Dr Alexis Turgeon, a specialist physician at Hopital de l’Enfant-Jesus.

“He suffers from severe traumatic brain injury. His situation is still stable under the circumstances, but critical.

“His condition requires mechanical respiratory assistance, deep sedation and specialised neurological monitoring.

“It is too early to comment on Mr Stevenson’s long-term prognosis.”

Stevenson’s family thanked supporters for their messages of support and asked for their privacy to be respected.

-Sky Sports