Eddie warns of ‘season change’ post Covid-19

WATCH as England coach Eddie Jones calculates the challenges facing rugby after the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The world has been rudely disrupted by the virus, which continues to take lives across the globe.

The immediate effects of the virus have taken its toll with various countries enforcing strict lockdown and travel regulations - resulting in a major crisis for sports.

Thus far all rugby has been suspended, while  World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont reportedly believes there is a “distinct possibility” that this year's international rugby calendar could be scrapped.

Despite the dire circumstances, Jones is optimistic that the sport will survive but conceded that the international rugby landscape is certain to change.

“When we get through this it will be a different place, and in terms of rugby we are looking at the fact that the season will change, which will only be positive,” Jones said.

“I think rugby has grown sort of higgledy-piggledy since the start of international rugby and there is an opportunity for it to get better.”

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The coach revealed that this period of uncertainty is an ideal opportunity for coaches and players to readjust their strategy and the team’s identity.

“How teams operate will be different," Jones said.

“I think every sport particular rugby has been blown up through television rights and I think what will happen is that squads will become smaller and will need more multiskilled players like Tom Curry, who can play 6, 7 and eight.

“In terms of staff you going to need multiskilled staff. A coach that coaches across spectrums and physios who can do strength and conditioning.

"I would imagine it will be like the case in any business, so my message would be to learn what you can now, find a way to be active and productive.

He added: “My parents survived World War II and that time there were a lot of hardships and for us, it’s a first time we facing any hardships but just like a game of rugby we have to find a way to get through it.”

@rugby365com

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