England head coach Eddie Jones is set to lose yet another coach with just a year to go before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Current defence coach Anthony Seibold in line to be the new head coach of Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL.
The Australian switched to coaching union to join England in 2021 but he is also a coaching mentor at the Newcastle Knights.
Jones praised Seibold when he was appointed in 2021 and said: “He is a good coach and thinks deeply about the game. John Mitchell did a great job improving us in defence and Anthony will add further nuances to the good system that he has put into place.”
The coach says his time with England has re-ignited his love of rugby. He told The Australian:
“It has really, really invigorated me in a lot of ways because I have been coaching for a long time, but I am not an expert in the Xs and Os of rugby union.
“I have been learning – in some ways learning on the run. I have clarity around what I need to do and the way I need to prepare the group, the way Eddie has explained it to me – just think of yourself as the head coach of the defence.”
Fans have already called for Shaun Edwards to join the England set-up, though the Englishmen is currently under contract with France until 2025.
One fan said: “Time to bring Shaun Edwards home.”
“Stump up the cash RFU, Shaun Edwards is the man we need,” said a second.
Shaun Edwards team of the decade from 2000-2010
Dan Carter or Jonny Wilkinson? Read on to discover which one made it into Shaun Edwards’ outstanding XV from between 2000 and 2010.
The rugby league legends, who has coached Wasps, Wales and now France, was a columnist for the Guardian back in 2010 and made his bold selection.
FB: Mils Muliaina (New Zealand) – This guy ticks most of the boxes. Made his Super Rugby debut in 2001, his international debut against England in 2003 and 92 Test caps later is getting better and better. Quick and incisive, a key part of the All Blacks’ counter-punching game.
LW: Jason Robinson (England) – “I’m biased but he is the only northern-hemisphere player to score a try while winning a World Cup final. Run close by Doug Howlett.”
OC: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – “Announced himself with a stunning hat-trick against France in 2000 and continues to shine.”
IC: Tana Umaga (New Zealand) – “One of the most liked and respected men in rugby – despite the incident with O’Driscoll in 2005.”
RW: Bryan Habana (South Africa) – “World Cup winner and a great club man who helped turn the Blue Bulls from a joke into the best province in the world but he was run close by Shane Williams, veteran of 75 Tests with Wales and his country’s leading try scorer.”