Three candidates for England defence coach job as Paul Gustard named new Harlequins boss

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Harlequins confirmed the appointment of England defence coach Paul Gustard as their new head of rugby on Monday.

    The 42-year-old will take up his new post with the club after England’s tour to South Africa next month, replacing John Kingston.

    With the defence coach position vacant, here are three potential candidates for the role.

    SHAUN EDWARDS

    The Englishman has been one of Warren Gatland’s assistant coaches with Wales since 2008, and is under contract with the Welsh Rugby Union until after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The 51-year-old also interviewed for the head coach role at Harlequins, a sign that he will be seeking a new opportunity. With two Grand Slams and a Six Nations title in his decade with the Dragons, Edwards would be a significant coup to any set-up, especially that of his home nation. On paper, he is the front-runner for the position based on his experience, knowledge and reputation in the game.

    BEN RYAN

    Fiji’s gold-winning sevens coach at Rio 2016 has been without a full-time job for nearly two years but has proven he can mastermind a successful set-up. Although the London native doesn’t have much experience in the 15s game, he has held a number of consultancy roles with World Rugby, Wales and France since Rio. The 46-year-old would be a stellar appointment because of his man management skills and unorthodox manner. But with the World Cup just 16 months away, Eddie Jones and Co may opt for a man with more experience as there is no time for risk so close to Japan.

    JAKE WHITE

    An outsider as such, but a man with buckets of experience at the top level. The 64-year-old steered the Springboks to Rugby World Cup success in 2007 and was named IRB International Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2007. White and Jones are good friends, having previously worked together during the World Cup triumph nearly 11 years ago. His knowledge and creative ideas in defence would restore confidence to a set-up lacking in belief after three defeats in the Six Nations. Although he is currently under contract at Toyota Verblitz in Japan, a key role with the RFU would surely be of strong interest to him.

    Recommended