Attacking coach to depart England
EDDIE Jones has confirmed attack coach Scott Wisemantel has left the England set-up.
The 49-year-old marshalled England’s attack as they were beaten by South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final earlier this month but after talks with England head coach Jones he has decided to move on.
Wisemantel joined Jones’ coaching team during the summer of 2018. His temporary contract expired following defeat to the Springboks in Japan.
He is the second member of Jones’ staff to seek pastures new after scrum coach Neal Hatley returned to Bath following the World Cup.
Wisemantel has been tipped to join the Australia set-up under Dave Rennie, the current Glasgow Warriors coach who will take up the reins with the Wallabies at the end of the 2019-2020 season.
Jones told the Daily Mail: “Scott’s contract finished at the end of the World Cup and we had some discussions but he has decided to move on.
“Whatever role he takes on next I know he will do an outstanding job because he was fantastic for us.
“We will miss him but we wish him all the best, and his family.”
Meanwhile, Alan Dickens has been appointed as the new England Under-20s head coach.
Dickens will leave his position as Northampton defence coach with immediate effect to take up the Rugby Football Union role.
The 43-year-old has been part of Northampton’s set-up in various posts since retiring as a player in 2010.
“I am thrilled to take on this important role with the RFU,” said Dickens, in a statement released by the RFU.
“The most exciting thing for me is seeing young players progress within their clubs, and ultimately then into the England first-team squad.
“I’ve felt real pride in recent years seeing young Northampton players make the step up to international level, make their debuts and go on to play in Six Nations championships and World Cups.”