England
Eddie Jones: It's time for fresh faces in my England coaching staff
PA Sport
December 14, 2015
Eddie Jones, the new England Rugby head coach
Eddie Jones, the new England Rugby head coach© David Rogers/Getty Images

Eddie Jones has declared it a time for "new thoughts and new ideas" after making the first major move of his England coaching reign.

Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt are to leave their positions as England assistant coaches, the RFU announced on Monday.

It follows Stuart Lancaster's exit as head coach last month after England recently became the first host nation in Rugby World Cup's 28-year history not to reach the knockout phase.

Australian Jones took charge as Lancaster's successor earlier this month, and it is expected that current Saracens defence and forwards coach Paul Gustard and ex-England captain Steve Borthwick will join a new-look coaching support team.

As part of Lancaster's set-up, Farrell, Rowntree and Catt -- all England internationals -- coached England to 22 victories in 36 Tests, with the highlight being a Twickenham win against world champions New Zealand in 2012. But this year's World Cup campaign was a miserable failure, as England suffered pool stage defeats against Wales and Australia that destroyed any hope of them securing a quarter-final place.

© (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Lancaster left within a fortnight of the tournament finishing, with Jones appointed shortly afterwards. The departures of three such experienced figures represent the first key moment of his reign, arriving just 54 days before England's Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield.

"Going forward, taking over the side with a short period of time, we've had some coaches in place and they've done a fantastic job for England for a period of time," Jones told ERTV.

"Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree, Mike Catt, they are outstanding coaches, but I just feel at this stage that for England we need to have some new thoughts and new ideas come in. That's why I've decided to let those three coaches go.

"But I think England Rugby are very grateful for their contributions, and I am sure that in the future they are going to keep contributing in a different way to England Rugby.

"Obviously, one of the most unpleasant things to do is to let people go. You try to give the people due course, due process.

"I obviously spoke to a lot of people about what's happened with England, got different views, from players, administrators and other coaches.

"I spoke to those coaches individually as well, and I just felt it was in the interests of the team to move on.

"Having met with all of the coaches to talk through the future direction, we felt it was the right time to make changes. On behalf of the players that have benefited from their coaching and the RFU, I wish them the very best for the future."

Jones also offered a major hint about his assistant coaching blueprint. Asked what he wanted from people he brings in, he added: "I think guys that can work with me, that understand my philosophy of play, that can add to my philosophy of play and can add to England going forward."

Gustard is considering an offer to be one of Jones' assistants, while current Bristol forwards coach Borthwick is also thought to be firmly on the radar.

© PA Sport

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