Jones relishing chance to learn off ‘Pep’

MARK Jones played for Wales under Sir Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland and is now learning from another Kiwi coaching guru.

Former wing Jones worked with Namibia at last year’s World Cup before sealing a shock move to Christchurch to join the staff at the Crusaders.

His role as defence coach has brought him into contact with Scott Robertson who he describes as the “Pep Guardiola of rugby”.

“A lot of coaches come to our country, but not many of ours go elsewhere,” said Jones, who saw his coaching chances in Wales disappear after leaving Welsh Premiership side RGC 1404.

“I saw this as a chance to put myself into a tough environment where it’s sink or swim against the best coaches and players around.

“The way the Crusaders have gone about their work over the last 25 years has been extraordinary. They’ve won ten of the 24 Super Rugby titles which is incredible.

“They are the most powerful franchise in New Zealand in terms of trophies and they are a really well run organisation. It’s not just Scott, the coaches and management are great people. Even the way they have handled pay cuts, which were inevitable, has been impressive.

“I’ve had a great six months and the thing that hit me has been the attention to detail around the whole preparation process. I have worked with diligent players in the UK, but here the level of unseen detail for every player is spot on.

“They use personality profiling and get to understand people before they work out how they will get information to those people. It’s not just one method for everyone.

“They are together and unified in a single-minded determination to get better. You don’t get that to the same level at home.”

Jones’ Crusaders took on Gatland’s Chiefs in the latest round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

“Warren had a big influence on my career and I learned a lot from him. Now I’m learning new things almost every day from Scott,” said Jones.

“This was a once-in-alifetime opportunity for me. I’m working with some of the best players in the world as well as some of the best coaches around.”