Ashton stays – common sense prevails
Roar Pro
By Ross Mativenko, 20 Dec 2007 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
The View From The Northern Hemisphere
In an about-turn made all the more welcome for it’s solid grasp on the logical, the RFU have decided to retain the services of current England rugby coach, Brian Ashton. The bitterness surrounding England’s percieved failure at this years’ Rugby World Cup has seemingly been forgotten.
We have been spared a move in totally the wrong direction. Ashton represents stability. For England, this has been sadly lacking in recent times. Handicapped by a severely curtailed World Cup preparation, unfair scrutiny by the media, and lack of direction displayed by those in power at the RFU, his job was never going to be easy. All the more amazing was Ashton’s refusal to bemoan his position throughout this sorry episode.
The announcement all but brings the curtain down on the RFU’s review of the RWC. Soundbite-merchant Rob Andrew (RFU Elite Rugby Director) has yet to let us in on the earth-shattering results of his study, so we’ll just have to conclude that his findings mirror mine. – Ashton was shafted before he’d even packed his bags for France.
Once more, Andrew escapes the brickbats, and carefully positions himself at the front of any future photo opportunities. His actual job still remains unclear, the cynic in me suspects he is angling for some sort of Coaching role within the England setup. Lets not forget his role in the media circus that has engulfed the game over here since the conclusion of the RWC.
Next up is the Six Nations. A chance for Ashton to rebuild. New ideas, new blood. A clean slate for progression. England have to embrace youth, it’s man at the helm has to have one eye fixed on the shadows.
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Ian Noble said | December 21st 2007 @ 2:47am | Report comment
Ross
At last sense has prevailed and Ashton has been reappointed. I would also applaud Rob Andrew in that not only did he appoint Ashton in the first place, but there has been no hasty reaction post RWC and he has built a strong case to support his man. In addition his quiet reorganisation at the RFU has established a leaner and meaner elite programme, which hopefully will atract younger coaches such as Shaun Edwards to work within the new set up. Although I must admit the opportunity for Edwards to work with Gatland in Wales must be a strong pull as they are old mates.
As to the future Ashton is a wiley bird and I am sure he will introduce a number of younger players over the next two years without losing the experienced spine of the team. There has to be a balance and through his knowledge of the players who are on the verge of the England team, as he was coach to the Academy squad, Tait, Ryan, Flood et al, he is now in a position to give it a good crack!
By the way if you want to understand Rob Andrews role look at the RFU web site and read the strategic plan. Far from issuing sound bites I think he has been understated in his approach and has played down expectations.
Mart said | December 21st 2007 @ 11:30am | Report comment
This, combined with the recent announcement that the English clubs and Union have reached agreement over player releases etc, is good news for the Poms. Ashton needs to push hard for Shaun Edwards in the coaching mix rather than lose him to Wales or somewhere. Ashton’s RWC 2007 will convince him of the need to risk / experiment now 4 years out of the next RWC so the upcoming 6N and tour of NZ could be interesting ? Worth a peek anyway.
Ian Noble said | December 21st 2007 @ 4:06pm | Report comment
Mart
The agreement with the clubs does not start until July 2008, therefore the 6N’s and the tour to NZ will be under the present arrangements. It will be interesting to see how Ashton copes in the short term, although I sense there is increasing support from the clubs to assist.
Ross Mativenko said | December 21st 2007 @ 7:22pm | Report comment
Ian,
I supposed I am somewhat blinded by a dislike of Mr Andrew. He just isn’t my cup of tea.
His body language when talking about Ashton gives me the idea that he isn’t overly keen on what he’s saying. It’s as if he’s trying to influence us with his indifference.
Maybe I’ve got him wrong, but, at such a high level of office, jobs like his are particularly ‘In Vogue’. and as I said in my piece, he’s clever at positioning himself on the outside of any conflict. He’s just someone who I can’t seem to warm to.