Eddie Jones Wants England Legend For Australia Tour

England head coach Eddie Jones wants former England outhalf Jonny Wilkinson to stay on as a kicking consultant and perhaps a larger role for their three-Test tour of Australia in June.

Wilkinson, who famously scored the match-winning drop goal in extra time to win the 2003 World Cup for England in Sydney, has been helping the side out on ad hoc basis, and Jones is keen to retain the 36-year-old’s services.

“Jonny’s influence has been fantastic,” Jones told the Daily Mail.

“He comes in unheralded, does sessions with the boys here and there. He’s been a very positive influence on George (Ford) and Owen (Farrell). Mike Brown’s done a lot of work with him as well.”

Jones said he would link up with Wilkinson to confirm if he could travel to Australia with England, and while kicking will remain his focus, he will contribute in other areas as well.

“I’ll catch up with him in the next couple of weeks and we’ll see,” added Jones.

“He’s a specialist in that area. But the great thing about Jonny is he brings other things as well.”

The former Japan and Australia mentor also revealed that he will be looking to appoint a temporary backline coach for the tour Down Under.

“At the moment, I’ll probably bring someone in on a casual basis for the summer tour,” he revealed.

“I’ll look further down the track for a permanent solution when I find the right person. I’ll meet a number of people over the next three weeks and have a chat.”