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What lies ahead for Eddie Jones and the England team? Four questions

By Online Editors
Eddie Jones at an England training session

Eddie Jones has signed a new contract which will see him remain as England head coach until the World Cup in 2023.

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Here, the PA news agency looks at the challenges ahead after Jones’ signed up again.

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Was it the best time to announce a new contract?

While the world battles against coronavirus there is more focus on those in sport taking pay cuts rather than signing new deals.

It has brought rugby – and sport – to a halt with financial instability rife and Jones had already taken a pay cut of more than 25 per cent before his contract announcement, with the RFU forecasting losses of up to £50m over the next 18 months.

The announcement was delayed by the outbreak and RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said his thoughts were with everyone impacted by the virus, before adding that in “exceptionally difficult times” he was “pleased to be sharing some good news”.

Can Jones emulate Woodward and turn England into the world’s greatest?

Jones’ ambition in his first four years was to make England the best team in the world and they came within 80 minutes of that before losing last year’s World Cup final to South Africa.

His new contract will see him overtake Sir Clive Woodward, who coached England to World Cup glory in 2003, as England’s longest-serving boss.

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Jones has doubled down on his goal now that he has signed a new deal, saying: “Now we want to be the team that is remembered as being the greatest team the game has ever seen. It’s a big ambition but I believe we are capable of doing it.”

It will be another long road but he has the foundations to build on.

Can Jones use the lockdown to develop the character of his squad?

Jones has called on his squad to show they can become a “better citizen” during the coronavirus crisis.

He said: “Rugby is a game that has always espoused teamwork and one of the things we talk about with the England side all the time is how you can become a better team-mate. Now for everyone, it’s how you become a better citizen.”

After Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish was forced to apologise after flaunting the lockdown at the weekend, Jones’ rugby stars can prove themselves to be the citizens he wants.

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What is next on the agenda?

England are scheduled for a summer tour to Japan in July but that looks increasingly unlikely to go ahead. The RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said a decision will be made by the end of April and they remain in dialogue with World Rugby.

Beyond that there is the prospect of possibly finishing the 2020 Six Nations tournament later in the year.

Several matches were postponed, including England’s clash against Italy, and there is no guarantee the competition will restart. If there is a resumption England, who lie joint top of the table with France, have a shot at winning the title.

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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