RFU want Englishman to replace Eddie … so will talk to Kiwi Gatland!
(Unless we pick Kiwi Gatland, say RFU!)
THE RFU will launch their search for the next England head coach in the new year, with a desire to appoint an Englishman — but with Kiwi Warren gatland among their potential targets.
nigel Melville, the union’s interim chief executive, will oversee the process, with the help of a recruitment panel, to be convened next month.
Melville yesterday emphasised that homegrown candidates will be carefully considered to succeed australian Eddie Jones, whose contract ends in 2021 — and he would not rule out having talks with Stuart lancaster about a return to the job that he lost after the 2015 World Cup.
That home tournament lasted 16 days for England as they were eliminated before the knockout stage. ‘We want the best person for the job,’ said Melville. ‘I am English, this is England — of course it would be great to have an English coach. But we have to have the best coach for the job.
‘a lot of English coaches will be on that list and a smaller number of overseas coaches.’
asked if lancaster, who has revived his career at leinster, is in the frame, Melville said: ‘I’m not sure. I haven’t spoken to Stuart so I’m not sure if it’s the path that he sees for himself. I’ll meet everyone who is a potential target for us. all our top English coaches will be contacted.’
He also praised Wales coach gatland, who is due to return home to new Zealand after the World Cup, saying: ‘I brought him to Wasps. Warren’s a very good coach but I’m not sure what his plans are. I’ll speak to Warren.’