Rob Baxter on England job and Eddie Jones exit
Rob Baxter has expressed his surprise at the timing of Eddie Jones’ departure as England head coach.
Jones was sacked on Tuesday, less than nine weeks before England’s Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland and just nine months before the World Cup starts.
His seven-year reign came to an end following a Rugby Football Union review of the Autumn Nations Series, which produced defeats against Argentina and South Africa, plus a draw with New Zealand.
Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick, who masterminded Tigers’ Gallagher Premiership title triumph last season, is a clear favourite to succeed Jones.
Exeter rugby director Baxter inspired the Chiefs’ Champions Cup win in 2020 and two Premiership title successes, compiling an impressive CV that has previously contributed to him being linked with English rugby’s top job.
Baxter, though, has recently signed a contract extension with the Chiefs, and has no intention of leaving Devon.
On Jones, Baxter said: “I kind of thought with the timing getting towards this second half of the season, through the Six Nations and building towards the World Cup, I was a little surprised the decision got made now.
“There were grumblings and rumblings, but there are always are when England don’t win.
“But I will admit I was surprised the decision got made now.
“I have just signed a contract extension with Exeter, so my intention is to stay here.
“If you are asking have I applied for the England job? No. If you are asking me am I one of the guys under consideration? No, I am not.
“I have got a close affiliation to the club, my family has got a close affiliation to the club.
“It works me for me family-wise, and I am very proud of what we have achieved here.”
Exeter have confirmed long-term deals for Baxter, head coach Ali Hepher, forwards coach Rob Hunter and skills coach Ricky Pellow.
Exeter chief executive Tony Rowe said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure the futures of four of our core coaches.
“As a collective, they have been instrumental in the rise of the club in recent seasons, helping bringing a genuine level of on-field success.
“Having spoken with all of them, I know they share the same vision as myself of driving the club on to even greater things in the coming years.”
Baxter added: “Over the years, we have achieved a lot together, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we are all hungry to achieve more.
“Believe it or not, we take it pretty personally when the team don’t perform like we should, and that is the motivating factor for all of us.”
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looking forward to RWC2027 …. Boks on mission impossible for the Three-in-a-row, ABs to prove they being on par, France wishing to crown the “DuPont-era”, Ireland knocking on the Semi-Door ….. until then we’ll probably have to deal with Weird Ben’s fantasy-RWC23 (fun fact is, the drivel always creates a flooding of comments) …..
Go to commentsIt is a good argument to keep the Rebels for one more year but also isnt this just opening the door as well for keeping them beyond 2025. If they can create some sort of financial stability in the next year and if their performances lift as they have this season then how would RA even cull them after that? It might be the most cost effective decision at this stage and perhaps many people are guilty of keeping relationships going because of the cost to decouple but then again when does that ever work out well?
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