FORMER England coach Brian Ashton insists next year's Rugby World Cup in France is the best chance a Northern Hemisphere nation has had of lifting the Webb-Ellis trophy since 2003.
The balance of power seems to be shifting somewhat when it comes to international rugby with both Ireland and France beating New Zealand in the autumn, while England saw off world champions South Africa.
Ashton believes that trio of France, Ireland and England are serious contenders to win the 2023 World Cup in France.
“I don't think the gap between the Southern Hemisphere nations and the Northern Hemisphere has ever been that wide,” Ashton told The Rugby Paper.
“Having watched the way France and Ireland beat the All Blacks, I think rugby in this part of the world is as strong as it's been for a long time. I think France, Ireland and England have the right mix of physicality, dynamism and skill to beat New Zealand and South Africa.
“There's a good chance a Northern Hemisphere nation will win the World Cup next year.”
Ashton was widely considered one of rugby's most innovative coaches during an eventful career which took in spells with Ireland and England.
The man from Leigh in Greater Manchester was England attack coach when they conquered the world under Sir Clive Woodward in 2003, while he led the Red Rose to the 2007 Rugby World Cup final, narrowly missing out to South Africa.
While most 75-year-olds are enjoying retired life, Ashton is still heavily involved in rugby as an advisor to the England Under-20s coaching group while his skills are also being deployed in Premier League football. But he says he is no mentor.
“I don't like the word mentor because I don't know what it means,” said Ashton.
“I prefer something like thinking partner or even better, because I spent three years playing in Italy, consigliere. It's a mafia word but it sums up my role perfectly as it means advisor. I work, and have been for the past ten years, in Premier League football as a consigliere to some of the young coaches.
“I also work with Football League clubs in the north of England. I work with teams like Manchester United, Burnley, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Leeds United. I also work with Preston North End, Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers.
“From a rugby point of view, I'm supporting the coaching staff of the England Under-20s for the next two years. I'm also a rugby consultant for one of the new Major League Rugby franchises in Dallas, Texas.
“I've been working with the International Rugby Academy New Zealand, which was originally the national academy for rugby in New Zealand since 2009. So, yes, you could say I'm a busy man.”
So, what makes a good coach?
“Somebody who is very empathetic to the players, who coaches to people before the game,” said Ashton. “You've got to get to know your players. I was poor at that in my early days.
“I just coached the game and ignored the players. It's really about the philosophy and methodology of coaching. Things like, how do you need to operate to get the best out of your players?
“How do you need to operate to get the best out of yourself ? How do you need to move to the next level to make yourself better and the players better?”
