This week we will mostly be concerning ourselves with England’s staffing problems, Siya Kolisi’s saga and the value of sabbaticals…
Smoke signals
It was surely hoped by fans and observers that the appointment of Steve Borthwick after the tempestuous departure of Eddie Jones would be the stable, home-grown choice that would finally allow England to shine.
Stable? Borthwick’s tenure has seen a worryingly similar staff churn to that of Jones, with the added complication that roles in the England set-up are starting to look a little poisoned. That was at least comprehensible during the Jones era of verbal broadsides and caustic criticism, but the recent turnover is strange, considering England have actually looked to be making good progress.
Tom Tombleson’s departure could be attributable simply to a desire for something fresh after he had served for a decent spell. Fitness and conditioning coach Aled Walters leaving for Ireland is more worrying, but at least there are other factors potentially at play too: his wife is Irish, he had six fine years in Munster and there is the chance to cement a relationship with Andy Farrell ahead of the Lions tour.
But Felix Jones‘ departure seems to be attributable to little more than not wanting to work with England any more, which is remarkable considering how lauded he, his concepts, and the obvious progress made on his watch had been.
The peculiar 12-month clause which the Rugby Football Union (RFU) could use to keep him in his job despite his intention to leave is odd too. A restraint of trade for a few months in such positions is normal, but what use to anybody in keeping Jones in a role in which he no longer wishes to operate?
Does Kevin Sinfield now return to the defence after being somewhat unceremoniously shovelled aside – many have labelled it a demotion to s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s coach – for Jones to take his role? Sinfield was heavily criticised during the build-up to the World Cup, but he was learning on the job and will surely have had time to absorb information further.
Who this raises questions about is not entirely clear either. Borthwick is one, yet the team has progressed under his watch and does seem to have a clearer idea of how it wants to operate going forward. He is also no shrinking violet when it comes to criticism and plain speaking, but there is none of the Eddie Jones lashing out either. Abrasive perhaps, but not caustic in the same undermining way.
The RFU? Or perhaps – and here is a crucial point – English rugby in general? Next month the RFU and Premiership Rugby will unveil the new Professional Game Partnership, the blueprint of how to combine club and international game to the satisfaction of both. Historically this has been a time of huge friction, yet this time, with fewer clubs in the top league to satisfy and more time and man-management input available to the national team it ought to be a moment in which England’s blueprint becomes settled and clear. Right now everybody looks to be scrambling. The contents of the new agreement might make for interesting reading.
An ugly side
Given that it is now nigh on 30 years since the game went professional and we’ve passed several milestones such as seven-figure salaries, seven-figure transfer compensation fees and such some years ago, it seems mildly remarkable that such a situation surrounding Kolisi is a rarity.
But it is not a good look for the game, and especially not for either player or club owner.
It’s easy to point the finger at Jacky Lorenzetti for throwing his weight around, holding Kolisi to ransom and being agnostic to the risks he took, and there is justifiable criticism over his comments about Kolisi to the press, but he is not required to regard his outlay on the South African captain simply as a sunk cost because the move didn’t work out.
Usually such moves can be settled amicably. Kolisi will not stop playing as well as he can – how well that is with the added mental pressures of the current situation is up for debate. Whether it is what Lorenzetti imagined he’d get is up for debate too.
But it would be great for all if this could be settled swiftly and amicably rather than finding the game headlined by a haggle over sums of money incomprehensible to many observers.
Time out
Another South African player heads to Japan to earn a good buck for a few months. Disappointing for the Bulls’ fans, but almost a guarantee that Kurt-Lee Arendse will stay in South Africa for longer during his peak years than he otherwise might have done.
New Zealand have long reaped the benefits of allowing players to head to pastures more liquid to top up the career pension fund before returning home, rather than cutting international careers short to do so; it has allowed the likes of Beauden Barrett longevity as well as retaining his services for longer.
A shrewd move by the Bulls in a time when earning power in South Africa continues to diminish.
