England coach Eddie Jones believes versatile players such as Jack Nowell and Ben Earl will be worth their weight in gold once rugby returns.
During the 2020 Guinness Six Nations, back-row star Earl covered the back three for England and Jones has previously suggested that winger Nowell is capable of playing international rugby as a flanker.
And with squads potentially set to be trimmed once the COVID-19 pandemic that has suspended the majority of sport worldwide has passed, the Red Rose boss is convinced a greater emphasis will be placed on multi-purpose players.
“How teams operate will be different,” Jones said in a video posted on Instagram. “Every sport has been blown up and I think what will happen is that squads will become smaller and will need more multi-skilled players.
“They are the sort of players you’re going to need to have: Jack Nowell being able to play wing or flanker, Ben Earl being able to play flanker or wing.
“Also in terms of your staff, you’re going to need multi-skilled staff – a coach that can coach across spectrums, physios who can do strength and conditioning. I would imagine that’s the same in any business.
“So my message would be to learn what you can now, find a way to be active and productive and be ready for the future.”
England were top of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations table – ahead of France on points difference – when the Championship was brought to a halt by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
They had just one match left to play – away to Italy – in pursuit of a first title since 2017.
