'Eddie is flogging coaches too' - Moody backs former teammate for England defence job

Lewis Moody, the World Cup winning former captain, is urging Eddie Jones to consider former Wasps flanker Joe Worsley for the England defence coach role Paul Gustard is vacating after next month ’s three test tour of South Africa.

With Alex Sanderson, the Saracens defence coach, signing a new contract yesterday and Shaun Edwards, the Wales defence coach, set to remain on the other side of the Severn Bridge where he will also work with the Dragons, head coach Jones’s choice of English candidates for the role is becoming limited.

Worsley has been defence coach at Top14 club Bordeaux Begles since 2012 and Moody, his former England team-mate, said: “I would absolutely love to see Joe Worsley doing that role for England because he was such a wonderful defensive master when he was playing for Wasps and England. People didn’t give him credit for the intellect he had in terms of understanding of the game which was second to none. He understands the philosophy, the players and the country. He has had time in France and can offer something fresh.

“He has won a World Cup and has been operating as a defence coach in a pretty harsh environment in France and it would be fascinating to see him in that role with England.

“Eddie likes to think outside the box and will be looking for different options and will want the World’s best. The question is will the World’s best want to be part of that coaching environment even if it means potential glory?

“Without doubt the departure of Gustard is a disruption, but at this stage it is not irreversible. Six months before the 2007 World Cup, Andy Robinson was replaced as head coach by Brian Ashton and that was a challenge because you were starting again. Defences are similar these days and Eddie will bring someone else in but the main effect will be the relationships within the coaching team.”

Moody, who captained England at the 2011 World Cup, believes rumours about the harsh regime Jones operates could put defence coach candidates off and Moody said: “What does this say about the coaching environment where Paul Gustard, who didn’t get to play for England and has carved a wonderful path as a coach, steps away from an England team heading to a World Cup?

“The rumours you hear about Eddie are that he works his coaches very hard along with the players and you do have to ask if that is sustainable in the build up to a World Cup. England have had some serious success using Eddie’s formula but will it continue in the long run and you wonder if fatigue will hit the coaches and players.

“The test is will Eddie change his coaching style and environment to attract the right person to fill the role because it is really difficult as a head coach to change your whole approach.”