He says his only focus is on Clermont-Auvergne this weekend and I’m not big enough to argue with him. He says he would love to give some clarity to the situation.
But like Steve Borthwick, we all have to sit and wait.
In fact, we are at a point where it would benefit all sides if the matter was resolved yet. The mood music has suddenly switched pace and we appears to be approaching a resolution.
We know Tigers want more compensation. While conversations with the RFU continue, Borthwick and the remainder of the senior coaching team - Richard Wigglesworth, Aled Walters and Sinfield - will still be in post for Clermont Auvergne’s visit on Saturday and possibly the Christmas period as well.
The RFU want Borthwick and are prepared to wait to get his assistants that he wants. For those criticising a lack of planning, sacking Jones at the end of the Six Nations would have been the better option but there still would have been similar issues with contracts. But regardless, it looks increasingly likely that they will get their man prior to this Six Nations.
Charles Richardson’s piece, also in the Telegraph laid the groundwork down nicely last week:
The RFU is already set to make a payoff of £1 million to Eddie Jones, who was sacked as England head coach on Tuesday by chief executive Bill Sweeney, and to pay a figure understood to be in excess of £200,000 to buy out the remainder of Borthwick’s Leicester contract.
But more detail has emerged about Leicester’s response.
WRW understands that all four are under contract at Leicester until the summer of 2024. While Borthwick would be free to leave immediately if compensation were agreed, that is not necessarily so for the three assistants.
While the reported figure of £200,000 compensation for Borthwick’s services is accurate, WRW understands that Leicester’s counter-bid is around the half million pounds park. The unannounced contract extension for Borthwick is a fact (don’t ever tell me again “When clubs say it, it must be true”) and it’s becoming clear that all parties know this situation can’t go on forever, hence the RFU’s improved offer. If an £300,000 is on the table, then we are in end-game territory.
Leicester are said to be adamant that neither Walters, Sinfield nor Wigglesworth will be allowed to leave until the end of the season. While the Jones era holdovers remain at England post for now (including a certain R Cockerill), it’s possible to imagine them remaining for the Six Nations but you would understand Borthwick wanting his own team in a World Cup year.
And there’s more.
Leicester have highlighted Sinfield as a future Head Coach which is impressive given he has only been there for 18 months. His public profile wouldn’t hurt the club in their attempts to build a wider reach, with last June’s title win yet to translate into sell-out crowds.
Sinfield though is a smart man. He would not have been human to understand that if Borthwick spotted the opportunity for rapid career advancement, there might be similar possibilities for himself at international level.
After what happened to him on leaving the DOR role at Leeds Rhinos, he may be less keen on a similar role in the future:
“I feel I’m too far away from the rugby and from performance. The role had become a lot of administration, and not enjoyable administration. It became a role that I got no satisfaction from whatsoever. I certainly got some perspective from Rob and it hammered it home you have to do something you truly enjoy and get satisfaction from, and that’s where I find myself.”
So I refer you to last week’s WRW. Borthwick looks set to move on anytime soon and his assistants look likely to stay in place. Long-term, Walters’ future is highly unclear, with the only update that Sinfield faces a decision on whether to stay or go.
We may not have much longer to wait.
FRENCH FARCE
Bernie Laporte’s in a spot of bother.
The FFR president and World Rugby vice-president is appealing his 2 years suspended sentence for corruption, but would have to give up the roles for at least 2 years should that appeal be rejected.
And now.. the question that lingers..
How exactly did France beat South Africa to stage the 2023 World Cup?
All good negotiations end in compromise. I wonder of we will see an acceptance a fee for Borthwick from (say) Jan 1st, but the rest of the team stay in place until the summer. Borthwick runs with the existing set up through the 6N, giving him protection if England have a poor 6N (Its not his chosen team). In the summer, the rest of the team are allowed to go without further compensation after Sir Kev is made interim Head Coach and a temporary DoR supports him and keeps him close to the players and away from the politics.. Maybe Diamond? That could reduce RFU compensation and given Tigers time to plan and search. If Sir Kev may decide he wants to stay as Leicester is nearer to Oldham than Twickenham, it also allows the RFU & Borthwick to build a plan B.
Great article Chris
Steve Borthwick will move on that’s a fact.
I have the feeling Sir Kev might stay on and it would be a boon if Aled Walters stays also but he’s already had a taste of the international scene.
Onward and Upwards