Former England fullback Mike Brown believes the Rugby Football Union (RFU) should throw everything they have at signing Scott “Razor” Robertson.
The esteemed Crusaders and Barbarians head coach is understood to be one of three options on the shortlist to replace Eddie Jones at the close of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Ronan O’Gara and Steve Borthwick also in the mix.
While Jones has tasted success in his tenure at the helm – namely beating the All Blacks in the 2019 World Cup semi-final – recent stagnancy points to new blood entering the setup.
Brown, who has played under Jones (for England) and now Robertson and O’Gara with the Barbarians, believes the 48-year-old Cantabrian is the perfect person to take over at the end of 2023.
“They need someone that has that other side to them and just from being with Razor for a couple of weeks, he just seems to have it; he just gets it,” Brown told SENZ Breakfast.
“I just think England have got to go and get someone like that and his signature is there for the taking.
“New Zealand– for some reason, I can’t understand why – haven’t gone and got him so yeah, England, go get him, definitely.
“I don’t know (if a contract has been discussed) but if I was the RFU I’d be on his phone every single day until he did sign it.
“In fact, I wouldn’t even let him on the plane until he’d signed it, but we’ll see, he’s got to be sought after, doesn’t he?”
Robertson has previously confirmed his interest in coaching not one but two nations at the international level, and while New Zealand is his preference, he wouldn’t turn down a suitable offer from a rival nation.
Brown says a huge part of signing with the Barbarians was based on Robertson, believing he has the right personality to take on England in future.
“For me (with the) Barbarians, it was a big draw that Razor was involved,” Brown added.
“Obviously watching the Crusaders from over here (I) was a big fan of his and what he was doing there so wanted to see it up close and it exceeded my expectations, to be honest.
“I think, in terms of England, it would be exactly the person that they need to kind of lift that environment and get them out playing with a bit of fear … is probably the best way to describe it.
“In terms of him, the way he is just such a good people person; I’ve not really experienced it to that level before with any coaches I’ve had.
“The way he connects with people, the way he understands personalities, the way he just makes you feel so comfortable like you’ve known him for years, (I) just loved every minute of it.”
Robertson has accrued six consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders and recently led the Barbarians to victory over the All Blacks XV, 35-31.
The RFU is expected to finalise England’s next head coach in May, with the hopes the new coach will join Jones’ management team four months later at the World Cup before taking over at its conclusion.