Sport

RFU deny claims that Rowell is to be sacked

JACK ROWELL'S position as England coach was confirmed as safe last night by powerful RFU executive committee chairman Cliff Brittle…

Mon Jan 06 1997 - 00:00

JACK ROWELL'S position as England coach was confirmed as safe last night by powerful RFU executive committee chairman Cliff Brittle.

He reacted swiftly to reports claiming that Rowell was about to be sacked after a meeting of England's national playing committee.

Brittle said: "The RFU fully endorses the support of the current England management team and looks forward to a successful Five Nations Championship under their leadership."

But yesterday's Mail on Sunday claimed that the committee, which includes 1980 Grand Slam captain Bill Beaumont, Derek Morgan who managed England's 1984 tour to South Africa, International Board representative John Jeavons-Fellows and former internationals Mark Bailey and Jeff Probyn, want Rowell to go.

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It says they cannot accept Rowell's reasons for poor performances, and that his cavalier approach to public relations are unacceptable in the modern era.

But the RFU moved swiftly by issuing an official statement. It read: "There is no truth in the story that Jack Rowell's position as England coach is under threat.

"A meeting recently took place of members of the national playing sub-committee to discuss a number of issues regarding the England national team leading up to the Rugby World Cup 1999. The national playing sub-committee conducts regular meetings of this nature.

"The newspaper story is a misrepresentation of information appearing to emanate from a recent meeting."

Rowell has been in charge for 30 months and led England to a Grand Slam in 1995, followed by an outright Five Nations Championship. In between he took England to the semi-finals of World Cup.

This season, England have beaten Italy but lost to the New Zealand Barbarians before struggling to beat Argentina 20-18.

His team's playing style and his selection policy have attracted growing criticism.

But Rowell is now a paid employee of the RFU and it would be unprecedented for England to switch coaches in mid-season especially with the lack of credible alternatives.

French international Thierry Lacroix, Harlequins' latest high-earning capture, kicked five goals as his new team prevented London rivals Wasps from going clear at the top of Courage League One yesterday. The 19-17 victory at Loftus Road boosted Harlequins' season after three consecutive League defeats which had seen them drop down the table.