New Harlequins captain Alex Dombrandt has backed his former boss Paul Gustard to be “nice” for England ought to he be part of Steve Borthwick’s set-up.
The previous Quins boss, now defence coach for Stade Francis, is reportedly on Borthwick’s three-man shortlist to fill the void left by Felix Jones, who introduced his resignation as defence coach final month. The previous Leicester Tigers and Saracens flanker is joined by Oyonnax head coach Joe El-Abd and Stormers defence coach Norman Laker on the shortlist.
It is a function that Gustard has already held – working below Eddie Jones till England’s disastrous 2018 Six Nations marketing campaign – however he has rebuilt his profession since then, and presided over the joint-most frugal defence within the Prime 14 final season when it comes to tries conceded.
Dombrandt flourished below Gustard’s tutelage within the early days of his Quins profession, and lately described his former boss as a “nice defence coach”.
Talking forward of the brand new Gallagher Premiership season, the place his Harlequins aspect face a tough journey to the Salford Neighborhood Stadium to face Sale Sharks on Sunday, the England No.8 gave his ideas on probably being reunited together with his former boss, this time with a rose on his chest.
“He’s an important defence coach, his report speaks for itself,” the Harlequins skipper stated.
“I received on effectively with Guzzy, had an important relationship with him.
“If he received that function, I believe he’d be nice.”
Whereas Gustard has acquired Dombrandt’s backing, the most important impediment stopping him from returning to Twickenham is proving to be his membership, with Stade Francais chief govt Thomas Lombard warning that his coach just isn’t accessible.
“It’s unimaginable for us to let Paul go away Stade Français, he’s below contract till 2026,” Lombard reportedly stated. “We need to hold him.”
Gustard might be focussed on the job at hand this weekend, as his Stade Francais aspect host Toulon on the Stade Jean Bouin on Sunday in spherical three of the Prime 14.