ON THE BLINDSIDE
Former Harlequins boss Paul Gustard has emerged as a target for Wales chief Warren Gatland after new England coach Steve Borthwick pulled out of the race to sign him up.
Gustard, 46, became the defence coach of Top 14 outfit Stade Francais in June after spending a season coaching in Italy for Benetton and is happy in the French capital. He spent eight years organising Saracens‘ defence from 2008 to 2016, then spent two years working under England coach Eddie Jones before leaving to become Harlequins director of rugby.
Borthwick had Gustard, below, on his wanted list to take over from former rugby league coach Brett Hodgson who Jones only appointed a month ago to replace another Australian, Anthony Seibold. Hodgson, who was a kicking consultant for Sale, hasn’t overseen a Test match but has been looking at players since the end of the Autumn Nations Cup series.
And he will depart Twickenham along with forwards coach Matt Proudfoot in a clearout of Jones’ coaching staff ahead of Borthwick’s first training camp in the New Year.
Attack coach Martin Gleeson is also understood to be under review, but Richard Cockerill has been told his job in the new regime is safe.
Blindside understands Kevin Sinfield, who Borthwick recruited from Leicester, will mastermind England’s defence for the Six Nations, which starts in February.
Gatland could face competition from Gustard’s hometown club Newcastle who have spoken to several coaches about a move to the North-East and are keen to sound him out.
