Former England Head Coach Reflects on Successful ‘Teamship’ Approach
In my time as England’s head coach, we had a system I called ‘teamship‘ – a collaborative approach where players and management jointly agreed on the rules and behaviors that would guide the team both on and off the field. This was a crucial aspect of our success.
As a player, I never liked a ‘tell‘ coaching style, where the coaches simply dictated how the team should operate. Instead, I wanted to empower the players to shape their own standards and hold each other accountable. This shared ownership made it easier to maintain those standards, as the team had collectively decided on them.
The revelations from former player Danny Care about the culture under previous coach Eddie Jones are truly worrying. Care’s accounts of a climate of “fear” and “dictatorship” are shocking and have no place in elite rugby. This kind of environment is a recipe for failure, no matter how talented the players may be.
I sincerely hope that under new coach Steve Borthwick, the England team has moved away from such an approach. Borthwick’s more empathetic yet demanding style seems a stark contrast to Jones’ reported methods. However, the RFU must ensure that regular checks and balances are in place to hold the national team’s leadership accountable.
It’s remarkable that Jones achieved the success he did with the England team if the kind of player mistreatment described by Care was happening. The RFU’s decision to extend Jones’ contract, even after such issues came to light, raises serious questions about their own oversight and judgment.
As I reflect on the proud memories of the 2003 World Cup-winning England team, I’m reminded of the power of a cohesive, player-driven culture. That is the foundation upon which sustainable success is built in rugby union. I urge the current players to find their voice and ensure that such standards are upheld, for the good of the game.
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