Western Province have eye on Mitchell
EDDIE Jones’ tenure as coach of the Stormers didn’t last much longer than a two-and-a-half minute video clip he posted to apologise to unhappy fans, explaining his decision to take up the England coaching job on Friday.
It’s hard to think of any coach who has alienated a support base as quickly as Jones, who was unveiled as head coach on November 12 amid promises of “lighting up Newlands again”.
In the interim, former All Black and Lions head coach John Mitchell, 51, may be interested in the job.
The public inhaled 55-year-old Jones’s words and were giddy on the prospect of the world’s best coach when it comes to extracting the maximum from players, using his skills at the Stormers. It was too good to be true, and so it proved.
Eight days after Jones’ unveiling in Cape Town, Western Province Rugby Football Union president Thelo Wakefield and director of rugby Gert Smal were left to explain Jones’ sudden departure. The man himself was already in London where he was presented as England’s saviour after their disastrous World Cup.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) waved their chequebook under Jones’ nose with promises of a four-year contract and a chance of winning a World Cup in 2019. What was a man to do? Honour his Stormers contract or re-enter international coaching with one of the most desirable jobs in rugby? It really was a no brainer.
“To all the fans, all I can do is express my regret. I know it’s a selfish decision and I apologise for that,” Jones said in his video address.
“When I started with the Stormers I never envisaged this opportunity. I never sought the job in England — they headhunted me . . .
“I will assist the Stormers in their preparations, but rest assured the franchise is in good hands . . .”
Smal, who brokered the deal to bring Jones to Newlands, has to pick up the pieces.
Jones exercised his get-out clause — a scenario that was always likely.
“We met with Eddie late on Wednesday afternoon and he explained his position to us,” Wakefield said. “There was no way we could match the RFU offer. It’s a massive disappointment but no one in SA can compete with the pound.”
Jones will return to Cape Town next month to assist with preparing the squad for Super Rugby, although that might not be necessary if the Stormers land another coach before then.
“The new coach will need at least six or seven years Super Rugby experience and some international experience,” Smal said. Mitchell is one of very few that fits the bill.
In the meantime, Smal will take a more hands-on approach in pre-season training with under-21 coach Robbie Fleck taking on the role as coaching co-ordinator in the short-term.