- The RFU chief Bill Sweeney has expressed concern over two coaches leaving
- Aled Walters and Felix Jones have both abandoned their coaching positions
- Walters has opted to leave England to take up a new role in Ireland’s set-up
RFU chief Bill Sweeney has lifted the lid on a mood of shock and anger within the union after two coaches defected from the England set-up.
Aled Walters, the fitness guru, and Felix Jones — who had overseen the defence — have abandoned their roles, with the latter citing an ‘unstable working environment’.
On a day when a deal was announced which gives Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, extended control over his players when they are on club duty, Sweeney was asked if Walters — who is joining Ireland — and Jones had given explanations for leaving in such a hurry.
‘No and I think it’s pointless to speculate on the reasons why,’ he said. ‘There have been no concrete reasons given. It’s not appropriate to speculate whether they are personal or whatever.’
Sweeney was forced to play down fears that the England management was being stalked by the same upheaval which scarred the Eddie Jones era, when a stream of assistants and staff came and went. ‘It’s not correct to compare this situation with the previous regime,’ he added. ‘I don’t believe the circumstances are the same.
RFU chief Bill Sweeney has lifted the lid on a mood of shock and anger within the union after two coaches defected from the England set-up
Fitness guru Aled Walters (pictured left) has abandoned his role alongside defensive coach Felix Jones (right)
‘We should be concerned, but it’s not right to compare the two situations. I don’t think it is an unstable environment. The England set-up is one of the best in the world.
‘Of course, when you bring top-class coaches in, they can be targets because other people may be looking for them.’
Sweeney was adamant that the new club-country deal unveiled at Twickenham would bring the sort of stability which will, in the long term, help to attract top coaches.
However, for now, his pressing priority is to work out the severance arrangements for Jones – the Irishman who wishes to leave despite apparently not having his next job lined up.
In theory, the man who has galvanised England with his hyper-aggressive blitz system may remain in camp for the autumn series of four Tests, starting against New Zealand on November 2.
England head coach Steve Borthwick (left) has been left disappointed by the decision of the two coaches
‘He’s currently employed by us,’ said Sweeney. ‘He is still working for us and on a 12-month contract, but this is very much a live discussion over something that has only happened relatively recently.’
Asked if the RFU and Borthwick feel let down by Jones, Sweeney added: ‘We are deeply disappointed that this has taken place with no indication that this was going to happen. It is very disappointing. I feel for Steve.’
The agreement which hands more control of his players to Borthwick is a coup for the RFU and England, but the head coach’s ability to dictate when leading players should be rested from club games is bound to cause disagreements.
Premiership Rugby have agreed to hand over a degree of control in return for an annual financial package worth £33million per year to the 10 clubs and their hope is that there are only ‘one or two’ disputes per season, which require any intervention.
