Message for Eddie Jones: "Do Different Things"

Welcome back to England and good luck with your new role. Many sports fans in England are still looking for answers as to why their national team failed so badly at the Rugby World Cup, and it's so recent your appointment alone will not get rid of the questions.

The RFU announced a review to be led by your new boss; before it is complete you are appointed. Many fans will see this as you being used to deflect. Please don't allow that to happen.

Your press conference today seemed like a party political broadcast with one exception  - you want to develop a style of play unique to England. That was most encouraging. Please make this happen.

It is most obvious that you will need to deal with many stakeholders including Premiership Rugby and the RFU. There is no doubting that Premiership Rugby has developed the financial capacity and capability of rugby in England.

This creates a vested interest that appeared to preclude talented individuals from playing overseas. Today you put your cards on the table too hastily. Please give yourself time to reach your own conclusions.

England rugby are blessed with an abundance of international players through the age grade pathway. Some of these have gone on to full international honours but that alone has not taken the national team forward. Please get to understand the development pathways and what has gone right and what has gone wrong.

You spoke about the Under 20 JWC successes, and quite rightly feel optimistic. Some of these players are getting game time not gym time; with it they are developing. Please make sure that skills development is not forgotten

There are players outside the age grade cohort that are skillful and capable. They aren't all cosseted in Premiership clubs, they could be in France, at University, playing Championship or National Leagues. Please ask the question as to why?

Everyone deserves a chance and you held out a hand to Chris Robshaw and the coaching staff. Contracts of Employment probably limited what you were able to say today but please make strong decisions.

You appear to have two options.

Do Different Things

OR

Do Things Differently

Our recommendation is to Do Different Things even if your boss and stakeholders would prefer you to do things differently.