Former Rotherham Titans coach Ed Robinson lands England support role

Although the second-tier is too often given merely a cursory glance when it comes to the role it plays in developing elite players and coaches, the ascension of Jersey Reds backs coach Robinson – son of former England and Scotland coach Andy – serves as more evidence of its true worthiness.

Although it is unlikely to see the financial disparities between the two competitions shorten any time soon, the 28-year-old’s arrival will certainly please Eddie Jones, the England head coach who is having to self-isolate for 10 days after assistant Matt Proudfoot tested positive for coronavirus.

Robinson does not replace Proudfoot, though; he will support skills coaching following Jason Ryles’s decision to stay in Australia for the spring due to the challenges caused by Covid.

Jones, who will name his 28-player tournament squad tomorrow, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Ed to our coaching staff for the tournament and we’d like to thank Jersey Reds for their co-operation and support in making it happen. He’s a talented young coach and will work to help the players improve.

“We understand and support Jason’s decision and are expecting that he will be back with us this summer.”

Jersey director of rugby Harvey Biljon said: “First and foremost we are really excited for Ed; it’s a fantastic experience for a young coach and he deserves this opportunity. At Jersey we’re very proud of our record of producing players that have gone on to play at the highest levels and it is very encouraging that one of our coaches is getting a chance to work at that level too.”

Meanwhile, Jones is not displaying any Covid symptoms and, if he returns a negative at the next round of testing, he will join the squad at St George’s Park next Thursday.

If Jones, along with Proudfoot and attack coach Simon Amor, is proven to be free of Covid, disruption to their Six Nations should be minimal. If his players come through their own testing procedures, they will gather for the first time on Wednesday.

England’s title defence starts against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday February 5. Of Jones’s front-line management staff, only defence coach John Mitchell is not affected by the virus.

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