The potential availability of Warren Gatland for a World Cup 2023 rescue mission has put the squeeze on RFU bosses over Eddie Jones’s future.
The RFU have launched a two-week review into England’s worst set of calendar-year results since 2008, which ended in Saturday’s chastening 27-13 Twickenham defeat by South Africa.
Mounting pressure both externally and internally leaves Jones’s position under threat. The prospect of the former Wales coach’s availability is understood to have given RFU chiefs new pause for thought over Jones’s tenure.
Wales are expected to dispense with the services of boss Wayne Pivac, and Gatland tops the list of coaches who could be parachuted in for a short-term stint up to the World Cup.
Gatland led Wales with distinction between 2007 and 2019, and is understood to be open to a temporary return to his old stomping ground.
The 59-year-old New Zealander recently joked he would never be welcome again in Wales if he were to coach England, but that was in regard to a permanent Twickenham role to start after the 2023 World Cup.
The three-times Lions head coach is, however, not thought to be entirely closed off to the idea of a short-term rescue act with England up until next year’s tournament should the RFU seek to make a change now — and they are thought to believe Gatland would not dismiss the idea.
Gatland’s existing coaching relationship with the Lions leaves him well equipped to take over any of the home nations and build a cogent gameplan at short notice.
The former Wasps and Ireland coach would back his ability to inspire an upturn in either Wales or England for a solitary shot at next year’s World Cup.
Another positive Test-arena role would do no harm either in the eyes of the New Zealand Rugby Union, with an All Blacks coaching job doubtless among Gatland’s ambitions.
Wales are carrying out their own review of a diabolical year, comprising just three wins and damaging home losses by Italy and Georgia.
The beleaguered Pivac is expected to be relieved of his duties, and Gatland and Scotland assistant coach Steve Tandy are the men in the frame as replacements.
Sacking Jones now could cost the RFU more than £1million, even though the Australian’s contract expires at the end of October next year. That outlay has always seemed prohibitive in RFU chiefs’ minds.
But a short-term option of Gatland’s calibre could tip the balance, while also allowing the RFU to press on with plans for the permanent head coach appointment after the World Cup.
Leicester’s Steve Borthwick, Crusaders’ Scott Robertson and La Rochelle boss Ronan O’Gara are the main candidates for the long-term England job. Prising any of those away to start imminently would prove a tall order, and doubtless add a significant extra expense through compensation.
South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard has worked with Borthwick at Leicester, and insisted the ex-England captain has the credentials to coach at Test level.
“Steve’s definitely got the qualities to be an international coach,” said Pollard. “When that time will come, we’ll see, but he’s definitely on his way. Steve demands very high standards, we all know that. It’s about getting better day by day, whether we win or lose. When emotion sometimes gets the better of some coaches, with him it’s every Monday, reset, and the same story. Win or lose, we look to improve.”
Jones can still convince his bosses he should stay on for his second World Cup with England, not least because the RFU have again kept the review panel anonymous. The RFU believe the anonymity boosts candour, but critics lament a lack of transparency.
