FORMER England Deaf international Jack Kendall admits he has been stunned to be offered the job of coaching the Portugal national team.
Kendall applied for the post months ago, and had given up hope of securing the role when an email popped up from the federation offering him the job.
He said: “When I got the email I was stunned, I honestly thought it was a wind-up.
“Then I had a letter through the post and there it was in black and white.” Portugal are in the second-tier European Nations Championship and need a top-two spot to qualify for the World Cup in France in four years time.
Kendall added: “I am only a level two RFU coach and had to sit a test with the IRB in order to show them I am qualified enough to coach international.” Kendall will be joint head coach of Portugal alongside the former French wing Patrice Lagisquet, “The Bayonne Express”. He flies out to meet the squad this month.
Portugal’s first European Championship match is on February 1 against Belgium.
Kendall, 35, a lock turned tight head who played for England U18 and U19, London Irish and England Deaf, currently coaches the youth at Blackheath. How does he overcome the handicap of his deafness? He says: “I lip read, and very often say ‘what’! which does get on players’ nerves! “I have had to learn to live with being deaf. I would not wear a hearing aid because being ginger, over weight and wearing glasses was more than enough ammo for my sisters to tease me with.” Lagisquet said of Kendall. “I wanted a young coach who would know how to coach a squad of players who are not full of natural talent but full of belief.
“He is unknown. But myself and the federation are happy with Jack and believe he will make the right choices.”
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