Will Greenwood interview - What he said

23 March 2016 03:23

Will Greenwood was unveiled as Barbarians coach for the Killik Cup clash with South Africa at Wembley on November 5. Press Association Sport met the England World Cup winner at the national stadium and here are some of his thoughts.

On the chance to coach the Barbarians

I dived at the chance to be involved, alongside a world-class coach like Robbie Deans, to coach a team I played for, and my father played for. All the iconic images. And then you throw in Wembley. It's a great challenge. There are some great coaches out there who would love to do it so I realise I'm very lucky.

On South Africa

They are physically the most intimidating team on the planet. That's my judgement from playing against them many times and I suspect they haven't deviated too far from a simple model, which is to physically dominate you.

On his coaching ambitions

I was a Corinthian in a professional era. I spanned both - you only have to ask the fitness guys that I worked with. I enjoy being out on a rugby field coaching young people. I have no five-year plan to take over from (England coach) Eddie Jones when he finishes. I do Tuesday and Thursday nights at Maidenhead and I want to be part of a Maidenhead side that is more competitive next season.

On working with England at the Six Nations, and in the future

I spent a little bit of time in camp. I try to be under the radar, but I was at Penny Hill. I loved it. But I followed that up four hours later on the 4G pitch at Maidenhead, and I loved that. If Eddie felt as though he wanted some advice he would ask for it. But I would have no hesitation having watched how he operates.

On giving up playing

I'd still be playing now but I had a cricketing accident last year, I had surgery after giving myself the worst shoulder injury I've ever had - the irony. I hadn't imagined retiring because of a cricket injury. I had four shoulder reconstructions during my career - but not as bad as the one I got playing cricket.

On England

They were never a bad side because they lost in the World Cup pool. Those boys will be 70 and still replaying the last 10 minutes against Wales. The squad is an inherited one with some tweaks, and all problems go away. It's minor details that have been added on. They've bossed the northern hemisphere, now they go south to Australia and they will find out how good they are.

On Dylan Hartley

Dylan has done great work. You talk about big punts that Eddie got right. It was a big punt. He came with history and he has repaid that faith. He'll keep getting better. You can only applaud a bloke who was doubted who then posted a picture in Twitter of him in bed in Paris with the trophy. That's cool.

Source: PA