Robertson endorsed as the man for England

Scott Robertson has met with England officials about succeeding Eddie Jones as coach, a major British newspaper is reporting.

And a recent test star turned columnist says experiencing Robertson’s style first-hand convinced him the Kiwi is perfect for England after next year’s World Cup.

The Mail on Sunday reported it “understands” Robertson is one of the preferred candidates on an England shortlist drawn up by Nigel Redman, a former test lock appointed to identify Jones’ successor.

The short un-sourced story was headlined: “England are holding talks with Scott Robertson — despite the Kiwi coach hoping to take over from Ian Foster and assume the All Blacks hot seat.”

Last week Robertson confirmed his interest in the England role.

“I’ve said it many times that the All Blacks is my preferred choice but if it didn’t work out that way, you know, England’s got so much potential, it’d be a pretty special job,” Robertson told iNews.

“There is potential to any international job, I’ll make that clear, because there’s a few coming up [after the 2023 World Cup]. My first choice is to be at home. And then what other potential, if it is England, Scotland or Australia or any other team that’s out there, you’ve got to look at it.

“I’m in constant contact with the NZRU . . . But you consider any opportunity in international football because there’s not many of them and it’s a four-year cycle.”

Robertson has been in London to coach the Barbarians, and 72-test England fullback Mike Brown was among those highly impressed.

“I’ve been lucky enough to spend the week with Scott Robertson in the Barbarians camp this week and it’s convinced me that he should be the next England coach,” Brown wrote in the same newspaper.

“What really struck me is how good he is with people. I’ve played for plenty of coaches over the years but I’ve not come across any who bring people together like Scott did this week.”