England head coach Eddie Jones will know by the center of subsequent week if he’s going to be sacked, along with his place beneath rising strain.
The overview panel is about to fulfill on Monday, with the findings mentioned at a board assembly on Tuesday.
An official announcement may then be made by the center of subsequent week.
Whereas Jones and the RFU have lengthy been dedicated to his tenure ending after the Rugby World Cup subsequent yr, England’s kind has compelled a fast reappraisal of technique.
Regardless of a plucky collection victory in Australia, 2022 has been an underwhelming yr for Jones and his workforce, with simply 5 wins in 13 matches.
Tensions between Jones and the RFU hierarchy additionally seem to have been strained by the intervention of one of many head coach’s most trusted confidants – PR adviser David Pembroke, who criticised RFU chief govt Invoice Sweeney in two now-deleted on-line posts earlier this week.
Pembroke has since apologised to Sweeney, who has had a difficult fortnight – having additionally been cross-examined by MPs following the demise of Premiership golf equipment Worcester and Wasps. It’s understood he continues to be dedicated to the job in hand and retains the backing of the RFU board.
If Jones was to be moved on, the RFU would want to quickly appoint a alternative in time for the Six Nations in February, in addition to formulating a plan not only for the following yr but in addition past the World Cup in France.
A number of long-term candidates to switch Jones have already dominated themselves out, with Andy Farrell committing to Eire past 2023, Shaun Edwards doing likewise with France, and La Rochelle boss Ronan O’Gara saying on Friday he had eliminated himself from the operating.
Ex-Wales coach Warren Gatland stays an choice on a short-term foundation, though the BBC understands Leicester director of rugby Steve Borthwick continues to be the RFU’s long-term desire.
Former Harlequins and Italy coach Conor O’Shea is already on the RFU employees as director of efficiency, however he’s not regarded as a practical choice in both the quick or long run.
Extremely rated Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has additionally spoken to the RFU and is eager to safe a world function.
