Due to the deadly virus sport across the globe has come to a complete stand still, but there are signs of some sporting codes on the brink of resuming, albeit it behind closed doors. At this stage, rugby is not one of those sporting codes.

The 60-year-old Australian, Jones, who has Japanese heritage is currently in Tokyo, Japan, where he is in lockdown.

The celebrated master tactician believes that there are some positives to take from the current situation, and this will lead to a change in how the sport is run and played in the future.

“It’s a tough time at the moment every the world and obviously it something that there is no textbook or script for and everyone is trying to find a way to get through it. My parents lived through World War 2 so now we’ve got an understanding of what they found in that time. For us, as a generation, it is the first time that we’ve had any hardship. The big thing is to find a way to get through it. It is a bit like a game of rugby, you’ve got to find a way to win.

“At the moment individually everyone has just got to find a way to get through it, work out a way where you can keep healthy, safe and look after your family. If you’ve got work to do, make sure you do you well and contribute to society. At the end of the day, we will get through this and when we do get through this it will be a different place.

“I can only talk about rugby, I am not a politician. But I know in rugby we are looking at the fact that the season could change, which will be positive because rugby has grown sort of higgledy-piggledy since the start of international rugby, and there is an opportunity for it to get better.

“The other thing is that I think that in terms of the way a team operates it will be different. I think every sport and in particular rugby has been blown up through television rights. I think that what will happen is that team will become smaller squads and you will need more multi-skilled players. We got criticised a lot for playing Tom Curry at 6, 7 and 8, but better 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. They are the sort of players you’re going to need to have.

“Also in terms of your staff, you’re going to have to have multi-skilled staff. You’re going to need coaches that who can coach across spectrums. You’re physio’s who can do strength and conditioning and you’re going to have strength and conditioning staff are going to have to up their skills.

“I can imagine that it will be the same as in any other business. My message would be – learn what you can now, find a way to be active and productive, and be ready for the future because we will get through this.”

Jones was a Springbok assistant coach to Jake White when the Springboks won the World Cup in 2007, and in 2019 he lead England to the final in Japan where they lost 32-12 to South Africa.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport