England head coach Eddie Jones retains the “full support” of the Rugby Football Union following the completion of its debrief into the recent Six Nations.
Jones presided over a fifth-place finish for the second time in his Twickenham reign, triggering a review into why the World Cup runners-up had under-performed.
“The RFU has concluded a debrief of the Six Nations confirming its full support and backing of Eddie Jones as head coach, while recognising a sub-optimal campaign and the factors that contributed to it,” a statement read.
Bookended by calamitous defeats to Scotland and Ireland, England’s Six Nations was its worst ever performance at the championship, factoring in points difference.
“We were all disappointed to finish fifth in the Six Nations,” RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said.
“Our track record and results under Eddie meant that we, the players and our fans had much higher expectations.
“Sport is all about fine margins which is why every campaign debrief is invaluable in helping us to learn and improve.”
The investigation has called for a number of recommendations to be implemented ahead of the planned July Tests against the USA and Canada, which are to be staged in England.
These include additional support structures for coaches and players, additional refereeing input to provide technique improvement and the use of data and analytics in high performance
And for the first time, the RFU will bring in external rugby experts ill be brought in to provide additional insight and support for Jones.
The panel assembled to conduct the current review found that “the overall feedback from the playing squad was positive and supportive and while the results of the tournament were incredibly disappointing, there were lessons to build on as well as moments of positivity”.
Jones’ position has come under heavy scrutiny in the wake of the Six Nations with his contract lasting until the World Cup in France.
“During the Six Nations we were not up to our usual high standards and we recognise that,” Jones said.
“The debrief was a valuable process, we all learned a lot from the experience and most importantly we have identified actions to enable the team to move forward positively towards 2023.”
Tom G
Roar Rookie
You're absolutely right, the Saracens contingent have been the backbone of this side for all of Eddie's tenure.Their lack of preparedness was clearly evident. Still would have thought that Eddie should've recognised this and adapted his sides selections accordingly, it's not as though losing by blooding alternative players would've achieved more embarrassing results. Sticking solid only undermines the confidence of those out of form players and still gets you a loss
CUW
Roar Rookie
can they afford him? specially in this corona economy
CUW
Roar Rookie
WG being the smart doggy dog will select quite a few poms as the second string for the non tests - just to keep his best players fit for the tests he knows how to play club politics with england a :D
CUW
Roar Rookie
when super leagues come with so much money in already affected corona economy - RFU cant afford to lose money over a few results
Dean
Roar Rookie
Eddie’s response “hold my beer”.
FunBus
Roar Rookie
It depends how many England players are selected for the Lions. As an England fan I hope as few as possible. England will be VERY strong by the 2023 RWC. At least as strong as 2019
mjseesred
Roar Rookie
How?
ScottD
Roar Guru
I wouldn't mind him for the Force
ScottD
Roar Guru
actually, Eddie would be good for the Tahs
Paul D
Roar Rookie
With 2 Australian franchises having vacancies. Wonder if he’d be tempted to come home and stir the pot?
Ulrich
Roar Rookie
He was under fire in 2018 as well after losing about five on the trot or something, he also had the full backing of the board then. Didn't get sacked. Wales was woeful last season, winners this season. England may well be the top dog again next season.
Bigmac2411
Roar Rookie
Gone by the weekend to spend more time with the family...
Bigmac2411
Roar Rookie
He's a gonner once the board declare their full support.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Have they considered Scott Johnson ?
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
If you are going to fire him do it.. If you still trust him to deliver the goods say so and let him get on with it. .. But to say you have full confidence then in the same breath you say you don’t is doublespeak.
mjseesred
Roar Rookie
I can here it now. Eddie that job you did with the reds. It was impressive. We already have a decimated team so you can't make it any worse
freddieeffer
Roar Rookie
No doubt then, that 'Eddie the salesman' was waxing lyrical during that review; and his spin and bulldust lulled the Board into seeing, believing and agreeing that sub-optimal performance was in fact more than a pass mark; it was a credit result. I bet Penney wished the Tahs Board were as generous and lax with their assessing standards; he'd still have his job!
mused6
Roar Rookie
Cant see old Edward dodging that broadside.
Harry Jones
Expert
Ouch
Old Bugger
Guest
Double damn Jacko...in fact, bugger!! I was hoping for ERU to poach Gats away from NZ rugby totally thus allowing NZRU to concentrate on the young SR coaches they've got lined up at the mo'. I mean Razor, Rangi, Brownie, Jase and C-Mac is one helluva line-up of coaches, for the future. And of course, the incumbent AB head honcho but, my guess is he's just keeping that seat warm.