Current England coach Eddie Jones continues to consult with the Japanese club Suntory Sungoliaths. A role highlighted by the recent declarations of Beauden Barrett, which provoked the beginning of controversy across the Channel.
Eddie Jones didn’t need another controversy. Despite a 6 Nations Tournament with a record far from the standards, with a fifth and penultimate place, the New Zealand technician saw the English Rugby Federation keep him in his post. However, the recent confessions of Beauden Barrett may not improve the image of the former coach of Japan among observers of the XV de la Rose. Indeed, in parallel with his duties at the head of the English selection, Eddie Jones has retained the position of sporting director of the Suntory Sungoliath, a team of the Japanese rugby championship of which one of the stars is none other than Beauden Barrett. The versatile All Blacks opening half was very enthusiastic about the interventions of his compatriot who “ comes to Suntory three or four times a year “, The latest comer dating from” January for several weeks ». « He spends time with coaches, conducts training or technical workshops, summary Beauden Barrett. He is very present at workouts or after, during meals. It really brings a plus. »
The English Federation kicks in touch
On a more personal note, the New Zealand opening half admitted the England manager was one of his close advisers. ” Eddie Jones’ understanding of the game is exceptional. Every time he tells me something it’s a gold nugget, added Beauden Barrett, however discreet about the content of their exchanges. These tips are meant to make me a better player but I won’t dwell on them. A media outlet that caused an uproar in England, with accusations of conflict of interest between the coach of the XV de la Rose and one of the main players of New Zealand, who will also be a candidate for the world title in 2023. Faced with this, the English Rugby Federation (RFU) responded with a terse statement. ” Eddie Jones has had a contract with the Sungoliaths for over twenty years. We are comfortable with that within the federation, assures the RFU. His work as a consultant occurs during his vacation periods and does not create any conflict with his priorities within the national team. It must be said that Eddie Jones had a clause added to his contract allowing him to combine the two activities.
Barrett sees himself in a pure opening half
On the occasion of this interview, Beauden Barrett also returned to the role he intends to play in the All Blacks for the next World Cup. While Steve Hansen has often used him at the back position to offer a game with two opening halfs with Richie Mo’unga, the current number 10 of the Suntory Sungoliaths assures that he wants to stabilize in this position of ‘opener. ” I am having fun at the opening within Suntory and it is in this position that I would like to progress to be better than ever, says the former Hurricanes player, currently released from his commitments to play a year in Japan. The 10-15 alternation was part of a game system but now my preference goes to the number 10 position. “A message which should be well received by Ian Foster, coach of the All Blacks since the conclusion of the last World Cup, who saw New Zealand fail in third place after a loss in the semi-finals against England .
