Andy Farrell’s chances of replacing Eddie Jones as England’s next head coach look slim after he signed a contract extension with Ireland until the summer of 2020.
Farrell, who was announced as Joe Schmidt’s defence coach in January 2016 – a month after he was shown the door by the Rugby Football Union – has rebuilt his reputation with Ireland and was singled out for praise by Johnny Sexton after the Six Nations grand slam-clinching victory against England in March.
Eddie Jones needs fresh minds as well as fresh legs for England’s summer tour
Jones is due to stay in his England role until 2021 but there is a break clause after the 2019 World Cup and the RFU has already begun its recruitment process, planning for both eventualities.
Last month the RFU chief executive, Steve Brown, hinted that coaches involved with international set-ups but not as head coach would be given strong consideration to succeed Jones and Farrell, having also been an integral part of the two previous British & Irish Lions tours, would be an attractive proposition.
It is thought, however, that if Jones stays until 2021 the RFU would want someone such as Farrell in place to work under the Australian soon after the 2019 World Cup; his contract extension with Ireland would therefore appear to put him out of the running.
Scotland, meanwhile, will become the first ever tier-one nation to play Georgia in Tbilisi as part of their preparations for the World Cup in Japan next year. Gregor Townsend’s side will play France away on 17 August before facing Georgia a week later and then will host both nations in Edinburgh.
The Pro14 final will now kick-off at 6pm – half an hour earlier than originally planned – at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium as a result of a clash with the Uefa Champions League final on Saturday 26 May.
A statement from the Pro14 said: “This decision was taken in order to accommodate fans in stadium or at home who wish to enjoy the drama and excitement of the Pro14 final and also take in the Champions League final afterwards.”