Close Menu
    What's Hot

    Maro Itoje: Unwavering Commitment to England Rugby Despite Challenges

    November 18, 2024

    Former Welsh Star Criticizes Welsh Rugby Union and Calls for Change

    November 18, 2024

    Wales Back-Rower Wainwright Rallying Behind Coach Gatland Amid Losing Streak

    November 18, 2024
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • BBC Rugby Union
    • Rugby Union Gameplay
    • Six Nations
    Rugby Union
    • Home
    • Rugby Union News UK
    • Wales National Rugby Union Team
    RSS
    Rugby Union
    Home ยป Rugby Union Leadership Crisis – England and Wales in Need of Strong Direction
    Rugby Union News UK

    Rugby Union Leadership Crisis – England and Wales in Need of Strong Direction

    Caius DuskmourneBy Caius DuskmourneNovember 18, 2024No Comments2 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Calls for Strong Leadership in England and Wales

    It was surprising to hear my name suggested for a potential director of rugby role with the Welsh Rugby Union, but I’m afraid I must politely decline. As The Sunday Times’ Stephen Jones pointed out, it’s not a position I’m interested in now, despite the temptation a decade ago, especially at Twickenham.

    However, with Wales and Warren Gatland facing an 11-game losing streak after their defeat against Australia, and England struggling to take the next step under Steve Borthwick, the need for strong leadership in international rugby has never been more apparent.

    Neither the RFU nor the WRU have a seasoned rugby figure working alongside their respective head coaches. Gatland’s wealth of experience as a Test coach is unmatched, but he could benefit greatly from a robust support system, especially during this challenging period for Welsh rugby.

    At the other end, Borthwick is still finding his footing in international rugby, and the RFU lacks a strong rugby authority he can rely on. Chief executive Bill Sweeney and Conor O’Shea, the RFU’s executive director of performance rugby, lack the necessary expertise to guide the England team effectively.

    The WRU’s own executive director of rugby, Nigel Walker, also appears to be struggling, as the governing body navigates a series of off-field scandals and political issues. Gatland’s return was expected to work the same magic as before, but the landscape has changed, requiring a different approach.

    The director of rugby role is arguably more critical than the head coach position today, as it encompasses far more than just the men’s national team. Both England and Wales have yet to get this crucial role right, relying on anonymous committees and fan-like figures instead of strong, transparent leadership.

    While I won’t be taking on the role, I believe the WRU should consider bringing in a heavyweight character to head up their rugby operations, regardless of Gatland’s future. The example set by South Africa, with Rassie Erasmus working alongside Jacques Nienaber, demonstrates the benefits of a cohesive system that prioritizes the national team.

    Both England and Wales could learn valuable lessons from the Springboks’ approach, as they seek to navigate the challenges facing their respective national rugby programs.

    ๐Ÿ”— Source

    rugby union Rugby Union News Wales National Rugby Union Team
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Caius Duskmourne

      Related Posts

      Maro Itoje: Unwavering Commitment to England Rugby Despite Challenges

      November 18, 2024

      Wales Back-Rower Wainwright Rallying Behind Coach Gatland Amid Losing Streak

      November 18, 2024

      Warren Gatland’s Uncertain Future Amid Wales’ Rugby Slump

      November 18, 2024

      England’s Rugby Union Dilemma: Fall From Grace or Temporary Setback?

      November 18, 2024
      Latest Posts

      Maro Itoje: Unwavering Commitment to England Rugby Despite Challenges

      November 18, 2024

      Former Welsh Star Criticizes Welsh Rugby Union and Calls for Change

      November 18, 2024

      Wales Back-Rower Wainwright Rallying Behind Coach Gatland Amid Losing Streak

      November 18, 2024
      • Rugby Union News UK
      • Wales National Rugby Union Team
      © 2025 Privacy Policy

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

      Ad Blocker Enabled!
      Ad Blocker Enabled!
      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.