The England legend was badly burned by his experience as manager but his career is missing a post-script.
When it came to the pivotal mover and shaker in the play-off race, it was the result at the at the home of the defending champions that eclipsed everything else.
Matt Sherratt didn't expect to find himself as a head coach but his humility and humour have helped with a feel-good factor at the Arms Park
Eight players started in all five matches with two – Maro Itoje and Ben Earl – playing in all 400 minutes. There were 15 backs and 16 forwards used.
The English burst into life in their head coach’s 20th game in charge, ending Irish hopes of back-to-back Guinness Six Nations Grand Slams with a redemptive 23-22 triumph in London.
The Northampton head coach only made two senior international appearances – versus Argentina in 2009 under Martin Johnson.
With a team in transition, Italy in Rome presents a potential banana skin but there is much to savour with this new England team
The new skipper has much on his plate, but there are reasons for cautious English optimism.
It was last April when it was first rumoured that Wasps assistant Martin Gleeson was recruitment target for England boss Eddie Jones.
England boss Eddie Jones has chosen 19-year-old uncapped George Martin as his Six Nations squad replacement for the injured Jack Willis.