Russia can cause a World Cup stir under maverick Lyn

LYN JONES is a maverick coach, one of the strangest men I’ve worked with, but also one of the best.

He’s 100 miles per hour and has clearly been enjoying his travelling in recent months. He’s been in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Namibia and now it looks like Russia could be next on the cards.

As a former Neath player I must admit I’ve got mixed feelings about him taking on the role. Lyn has been working at Neath and was supposed to be taking charge of the club this season.

That now looks as if it won’t be happening and while it saddens me from a Neath perspective, as the club is in desperate need of help, I’m also in no doubt Russia have got a top man to work with.

Lyn will be a big benefit to a rugby nation who have increased their funding in the game and have been rewarded with a place at next year’s World Cup as a result.

Russian rugby has really progressed in recent years and I’m sure Lyn will be finding it hard to turn down the possibility of coaching at the highest level in Japan in 12 months time.

That’s the sort of stage he will thrive on. I spoke to Lyn a few months back and he’s someone who keeps his cards very close to his chest.

Whatever happens, it looks as if Russia is next and with Lyn in charge, I wouldn’t bet against them causing a shock next year.