Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

England willing to extend Eddie Jones beyond 2019

Should England coach Eddie Jones not step down from his current role, England are willing to extend his contract beyond the 2019 World Cup.

“Eddie’s contract ending in 2019 is certainly the discussion that we had, but it’s up to him. Who can tell what happens over the next three years or so?” said The RFU’s chief executive Ian Ritchie.

“I’m working on the assumption of 2019 because that’s what we did the deal on in the first place...I do think it’s early doors. It depends on how he sees it, if he’s changed his mind, and whether we want to ask. When Eddie came in there was a discussion about his assistants being English and we’ve got to get a situation of better integrated coach development.

“We’ll be happy if there is an English coach who stands up to that. If we haven’t, we’ll need to go back to someone with proven international experience.”

Jones is still unbeaten as England coach after overseeing nine straight wins since taking over at the end of 2015.

Taku Ngwenya heads to Brive

Taku Ngwenya has signed with Brive as a medical joker after spending nine years with Biarritz.

An injury to Alfie Maki opened up a spot for Ngwenya, who spent the last season with San Diego where he made a handful of appearances.

Alan Solomons resigns at Edinburgh

Duncan Hodge has been appointed Acting Head Coach of Edinburgh Rugby after Alan Solomons steps down.

"Alan came in as head coach at a difficult time in Edinburgh Rugby's history and helped to stabilise and strengthen the club," said Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson.

"Duncan brings his recent coaching experience from the Scotland national team as well as his long playing career with Edinburgh into the role and he will receive our full support to keep moving the club forward.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan for his significant contribution to the Edinburgh club and I wish him well for the future.”

Solomons said: "I have decided to step down. I understand Scottish Rugby have appointed Duncan Hodge as the new acting head coach and I wish him well.

"I have greatly enjoyed working with the players and coaches and feel I have helped to put the club on a much stronger footing over the past three years and am leaving it in a better place than when I arrived."

Jones appoints Hill as England team manager

Eddie Jones has appointed former international Richard Hill as England Rugby Team Manager.

The 2003 World Cup winner will take up the new position at England’s training camp in Brighton on 2^nd – 4^th October as the team begins its preparation for the Wealth Series.  

“Richard is an icon of English rugby and I am very pleased he has agreed to join the England management team. His vast international experience and in-depth knowledge of the RFU player pathway means he’s a great fit for this role in the England set-up," commented Jones on the appointment.

“His responsibilities will range from maintaining England Rugby’s internal and external relationships to providing mentoring and support for players and management."

Since retiring through injury in 2008, Hill has worked for Saracens and the RFU.

Nathan White set to retire

Connacht and Ireland prop Nathan White is to retire from professional rugby based on medical advice following a concussion injury.

"...I'm not sure what exactly the future holds but I know I am really excited about it. I've loved my time as a player but feel I am ready to move on now and challenge myself in other ways."

The former Waikato captain joined Connacht in the summer of 2012, after a season at Leinster under Joe Schmidt. He played in 58 games over four seasons with Connacht before he was injured in the March win against Leinster at the Sportsground.

The front rower made his international debut in August 2015 at 33 years of age, and went on to feature in all five World Cup games in 2015 and then all five 6 Nations clashes this year to bring his international caps tally to 13.