Barnes: My pick to succeed Jones

Ten-cap England flyhalf Stuart Barnes has tipped Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie as the man to succeed Eddie Jones at England’s helm.

Barnes suggests in his column for British newspaper The Times that sacking Jones 18 months from the Rugby World Cup would still give a new coach ample time to prepare. He uses the incumbent Jones as an example, citing that he was able to put together a Grand Slam winning team and sweep Australia on the road given the same time frame.

Barnes described Exeter head coach Rob Baxter as the obvious choice to replace Jones, but said two-time Super Rugby winner Rennie would be the “better bet”.

“Formerly of the Chiefs, he has an outstanding record of success and an ability to quickly bring the best from players, something that England need,” writes Barnes.

“Rennie was my preference to replace [Stuart] Lancaster; he is even more equipped for the role with half a season of European rugby under his belt.

“Critics will point to Glasgow’s Champions Cup travails in the pool stage where, for all their pretty play, they were overpowered. But with the size and scope of forwards available in England, a repeat scenario would be unlikely.

“All these men are under contract, but contracts can – and are frequently – broken. Jones broke his with the Stormers to join England.”