England Rugby - what is needed for a successful future....

[irocfan]

the thing is EJ has stated that everyone starts with a fresh slate under him. Obviously (by necessity) there is one person who won't (step forward CR) but other than that we're clean, past misdemeanors expunged. On a pure ability in position DH has to be considered as a captain, likely so too does mr Angry after that though you're really hunting for names. The only other is JL and he's only just getting back up to speed after a year out (IIRC) - let him concentrate on getting his game up to 100% and then learn how to lead rather than everything all at once

[London424]

hornetrider said:

I don't know where the line is either, however I'm pretty sure he's a million miles the wrong side of it because I think it's fair to say he's the biggest with the longest ban length in the English game.

Well apart from the drug takers...but they get welcomed back and stuff

[Nobby Diesel]

London424 said:

This the same RFU that have run roughshod over Bristol by announcing a coach before agreeing anything with them? Doesn't sound very respectful.

Where do you draw the line with discipline? Anyone who has been suspended can't play again? Just repeat offenders?

Surely your job as coach is instill the correct values in your players. They'll learn soon enough how most of those values are bks when you become a professional.

I tend to think that the Bristol episode is more ineptitude than a lack of respect. This doesn't surprise me one ounce, with the RFU.
I think that drawing a line is quite tricky. It just "feels" to me, as though Hartley has crossed the line too many times.
As for the job of a coach, I agree with you. But at the absolute pinnacle of the sport in your country, to apparently accept the levels of indiscipline as documented from Hartley, tells everyone else what is acceptable to you, as the coach. I'm surprised.
For the record though, i think it's an extremely high risk strategy from EJ, but I thinks it's one which just might work.

[a311]

Hartley's been a bit of a idiot but was the logical choice for me.

Launchbury a bit too quiet doesn't strike me as a captain... Yet.

Itoje, future captain material but doesn't have a cap or do we know his best position.

Robshaw, might still feature at 6 but couldn't continue as captain.

Haskell, frustrating player in an England shirt and I don't expect he'll be around for the next World Cup anyhow.

Wood. No thanks no guaranteed to start.

Brown, not captain material and I don't expect he'll be the best FB available come 2019.

Youngs, not guaranteed to start I hope to see EJ give Simpson a run at scrum half.

[hornetrider]

I find it amazing that the cupboard is so bare, that a decent captain cannot be found. What with all your resources, massive player pool and everyfink.

Such a contrast to us, we've got captains all over the pitch mun.