Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 7y

Antonio Conte visits England rugby squad for 'inspiration, tactical ideas'

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte paid a visit to the England rugby union squad and head coach Eddie Jones on Wednesday, in order "to gain inspiration and tactical ideas."

Jones and his forwards coach Steve Borthwick came to Cobham to observe Chelsea's training and facilities in April during Guus Hiddink's spell as interim manager, and Conte accepted an invite to do the same at England Rugby's training base in Pennyhill Park, just 14 miles across Surrey.

Conte and assistant Steve Holland met with Jones and his backroom staff before taking a tour of the base and observing England train as they prepare to take on the Chelsea head coach's native Italy in the Six Nations on Sunday.

"For me it was very interesting to observe another sport and the differences between the two such as the physical aspect to their training as well as speak with Eddie Jones about the analysis side to the game," Conte told England Rugby's official website.

"It is important for me to compare my work and experience with another sport to gain inspiration and tactical ideas for the future.

"I learned today about how detailed the preparation is in rugby through video analysis as well as the physical element to the sport. We spoke about our experience and it was very interesting to speak to him. Eddie is a winner and he is transferring that mentality onto the team."

England are 16 matches unbeaten under Jones and chasing a second consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam after victories over France and Wales, and Holland says Conte and Chelsea can benefit from employing some of their ideas and methods back to Cobham.

"As a coach Antonio is very open to other ideas from other sports and obviously the England rugby team is having a particularly successful spell so it was good to come and see why that might be," Holland said.

"The level of professionalism and preparation is very evident, the physical criteria being used is very interesting, replicating game like situations and the periodisation of the training also. Having that opportunity to speak to others who have had a lot of experience and operated at a high level is very useful.

"You find the same problems even in different sports so it's a vital part of developing as a coach to speak with others and take the best bits. It's important to still have your own way, but to take good bits is a way of improving your own way."

Conte's visit also enabled George Ford, Bath fly-half and Chelsea fan, to meet the man who has revived his favourite team.

"I used to love watching Frank Lampard play so that's where my support for Chelsea comes from," Ford said. "It was great to meet the manager. You can obviously see why they are successful at the minute, he is very experienced at what he does and meeting Steve Holland was also great.

"There are 13 Premier League games left, they are in a good spot, so touch wood they can win it."

^ Back to Top ^