Australia poach popular England coach Scott Wisemantel after quit hint – with Eddie Jones to name replacement next month
ENGLAND have had their highly-popular attack coach Scott Wisemantel poached by Australia.
Wisemantel hinted that he would end his Twickenham tenure after the World Cup when his contract expired.
And the Wallabies wasted no time in signing up the colourful Aussie ace who was influential in getting England to the Japan 2019 final.
England boss Eddie Jones is expected to name a replacement for Wisemantel later this month.
But he also needs a new scrum coach to replace Neal Hatley as well as a likely replacement for No2 Steve Borthwick, who is set to join troubled Leicester Tigers.
Jones said: "Scott's contract finished at the end of the Rugby World Cup and we had some discussions, but he has decided to move on.
"I know he will do an outstanding job because he was fantastic for us. We will miss him, but we wish him all the best and his family."
Wisemantel joins new boss Dave Rennie's backroom staff in returning home Down Under.
The 49-year-old said: "I’m really looking forward to returning home to Australia after ten years and for the opportunity to work alongside Dave.
“I’ve learnt a few things from working with various programmes around the world and it’s given me another perspective on how to view the game as an attack coach.
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"Historically, the Wallabies have been innovative in how they play the game and how they attack so I want to bring that to the table.
"There’s a good group of players with some exciting talent coming through, which will create competition for spots amongst the current crop.
"I’m looking forward to get stuck into it and visiting the Super Rugby teams early in the New Year, seeing how I can learn off them and prepare for a really important 2020 season."
Lozowksi rejects double-your-money Bristol offer
ALEX LOZOWSKI has rejected the chance to double his money and quit troubled Saracens for Bristol.
The talented star, who recently shifted to centre from fly-half, was offered a £400,000-a-year deal to leave the relegationthreatened Londoners and head to Ashton Gate.
But Lozowski, 26, has decided to stay at Allianz Park even though the Premiership champs have been docked 35 points and could be in the Championship next term.
Lozowksi will have a better shot at adding to his five Test caps by staying put alongside England skipper Owen Farrell.
But Bristol, bankrolled by billionaire Steve Lansdown, are continuing their assault on English rugby.
The Bears are on the verge of landing Red Rose prop Kyle Sinckler from Harlequins as they begin to build a squad capable of winning the league.