He might be in lockdown but Eddie Jones is still plotting to turn England into the greatest team that’s ever played rugby.
The England head coach is currently in Japan as the world continues to fight coronavirus, which has paused the global rugby calendar.
England’s 2020 Guinness Six Nations campaign is on ice for now but they are sitting pretty at the top of the table on points difference from France.
Their Round 5 fixture against Italy is yet to be played and, although no new dates have been announced, Jones is working hard to ensure England will be back on form when the action resumes.
“I get up and I go for a run, I’ve got a gym set up as well and then after a workout I spend the next 50 minutes usually having a coffee, making phone calls, making some notes,” he told England Rugby.
“Then I spend the next couple of hours after that going over our games looking at how we can get greater clarity in our game plan and greater clarity in our preparation because our dream is to be the greatest team that’s ever played rugby.
“From 3pm in the afternoon onwards in Japan I have a lot of online meetings which I’m sure everyone is all experts on. Even an old bloke like me can learn about technology so it can’t be too hard.”
England’s Championship campaign started disappointingly as France powered to a 24-17 win in Paris, but since then they have been perfect – with a gritty win in the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at BT Murrayfield followed up by successive home victories against Ireland and Wales.
And Jones has struck up a good balance between work and family during the crisis.
“My mother who is just about to be 95 is in Australia so she’s not seeing anyone,” he added.
“I’m having a 40-minute conversation with her every morning and she’s telling me how to behave still. So nothing changes, she’s always your mother!
“But I’ve got a good work routine going. It’s good to be using the time productively and ensuring I’m still keeping focussed and disciplined.
“I think it’s important for everyone to keep safe, keep well, keep positive and be prepared for what’s coming because we know we’re going to get through this.”
