The RFU needs a manager to look after the non-playing side but it requires a singular man to walk a fine line so adeptly according to Shaun Edwards in The Guardian.
"So England want an Alan Phillips. Easier said than done, I'm afraid.
"Item four on the 12-point "to do" list suggested by the Professional Game Board and recommended by the RFU board on Wednesday night was the following: "The support structures around the senior England team will be re-evaluated, including the appointment of a Senior England Team Manager to handle all non-playing responsibilities of the team."
"England had one once, but Roger Uttley was one of those to fall foul of the broom that was Clive Woodward. Whether they can get another in the mould of the men they give as examples – Darren Shand of New Zealand and Phillips of Wales – is another matter.
"I don't know about Shand, but I've had four seasons working alongside Alan and I can tell you he's a singular man; not something easy to replicate because he makes light of walking a difficult line. He has to be an integral part of the Welsh set-up but has to be careful not to tread on too many toes. Respect is key and you can't buy that off a shelf."
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