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Paul Gustard has agreed to become Harlequins head coach, leaving Eddie Jones without a defence coach as England build-up to next year’s World Cup in Japan.
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Jones refused to talk about the possible loss of Gustard last week even though RugbyPass understands he had been informed of the defence coach’s decision to quit.
Jones said: “I don’t have a contingency plan for staff, I don’t have one for every staff member. If a situation arises then I’ll deal with it. I don’t know anything to the contrary [Gustard travelling to South Africa]. I don’t deal in rumours. No I haven’t spoken to Paul, why would I? I don’t know mate, I don’t deal in rumours.”
Gustard will continue in his England role on the three test tour of South Africa next month and then take over at Quins where he will have total control of playing matter including choosing his own assistant coaches.
Quins will confirm tomorrow they have chosen Gustard, who joined England from Saracens in December 2015, with the former back row forward having beaten Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards to the job.
A general manager, who will take over many of the off the field responsibilities that John Kingston, the former director of rugby, held at the club, will be announced shortly.
Gustard’s decision to quit his England role just over a year away from the World Cup throws the spotlight onto the way Jones runs his management team. He is famously demanding and skills coach Rory Teague and communications manager Tim Percival have previously decided to leave.
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Now, Gustard has gone and he could be replaced by Saracens defence coach Alex Sanderson who has helped the club into the Aviva Premiership final against Exeter on Saturday.
Quins have a large coaching contingent including Mark Mapletoft (head coach), Graham Rowntree (forwards) Nick Evans (attack), Nick Easter (defence) and Adam Jones (assistant forwards) and Gustard will have the freedom to hire and fire.
