Eddie Jones: England head coach joy with landmark £200million deal between RFU and Premiership clubs – but still cannot call up Ospreys star Sam Underhill
Red Rose boss is being handed greater powers as part of landmark deal between the RFU and Premiership clubs
EDDIE JONES will get extra tools to turn England into the world’s best side — but has lost his battle over Sam Underhill.
Red Rose boss Jones is being handed greater powers as part of a landmark £200million deal between the RFU and Premiership clubs.
Jones will have more access to players, two extra training camps and, crucially, extra rest time for England’s Grand Slam winners. But the Aussie still cannot call up Ospreys star Underhill.
He was desperate to pick the flanker, 20, for autumn internationals against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia.
But Underhill does not qualify as he plays outside of England — and the RFU will not allow it under the ‘exceptional circumstances’ clause.
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said: “We discussed it again with Eddie and agreed with the clause stance.”
But the eight-year deal means Jones, 56, will get extra sessions with his side as England bid to topple world No 1 team New Zealand. His squad will meet for a new two-day camp in London next month, in October ahead of the internationals, and again in January.
Players will also miss a club game ahead of the Six Nations to stay fresh.
Those who play the bulk of England games get extra time off, too.
Ritchie added: “Eddie, over the next three years, has great clarity now as to what he has.
“The Premiership directors of rugby have been enormously supportive of England’s cause.”