Speaking exclusively to BoyleSports, former England star Jonathan Joseph lifts the lid on what it was like playing alongside Owen Farrell, who his favourite centre partner was and his relationship with former England Head Coach Eddie Jones.
Joseph also talks about what the future looks like for English rugby, highlighting some exciting young players who could be central to the nation’s success.
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Owen Farrell Was Great but Not My Best England Centre Partner
I played with Fazz (Owen Farrell) so much in my English career; a great player, great leader, great player to play outside of.
But my best games and the way I was able to just express myself best was playing with Kyle Eastmond. I know he didn't play that many times for England, but he was again a rare talent that you probably will never see again. There was a massive emphasis around 2014-2015 when we adopted that rugby league style of play. And when we first adopted it at Bath and playing outside him and George Ford, I had an armchair ride!
I was made to look so much better than I was because these boys just put me in metres of space and I just had to run through. He was an unbelievable player to play with.
I've played against so many good centres, but the one I always struggled against was Semi Radradra. He was an absolute brick, absolutely solid, quick, fast, could step you, could bump you.
France Move Was a Fantastic Opportunity
It was a bit of everything. Realistically my England career was done. My body was telling me I probably couldn’t keep up with the training volume. I couldn't do a full training week at that level. My body just was screaming at me. I’m only 33 but sometimes I feel 53!
To be able to move from the Premiership to France was a great opportunity at an ambitious club that has a great history and is striving to get back into the Top 14. I thought it would be a lovely challenge. It’s a beautiful place to live and a nice place for me and my family to live for a few years.
I’m Torn on English Players Going to France – It Will Affect the Grassroots
I'm a little torn. I can understand why players come to France. I can understand the Jack Willis situation when Wasps went under and he got offered an opportunity to go to Toulouse. He had to take it for financial reasons, for family reasons, for rugby reasons.
But if we keep losing all our star players in England to France, and Japan, I do think it's going to affect rugby as a whole in England, in terms of grassroots, in terms of losing people that you want to watch at your club every weekend.
I do think the central contract was a good idea, whether they've done it correctly, I'm not sure.
There Is Nothing Like Representing Your Country
I do miss it, the walk into Twickenham and the high of winning and being in the changing room. It’s a feeling you will never be able to get once you’ve finished, the honour of representing your country and making your family proud.
At the time you almost take it for granted.
This is What It Was Like Playing For Eddie Jones
Mine and Eddie's relationship was always respectful. He never really mistreated me. It was probably only at the end of my England career when he snubbed me a bit.
Apart from that, my relationship with Eddie was always kind of good. He more or less picked me quite a lot. He didn't belittle me or bully me to an extent.
But I have heard stories and obviously, some of my teammates or staff members have said things that he has done and obviously it's probably not acceptable by any stretch of the imagination.
Eddie Jones’ ‘Switch’
Yes, you can see he had a switch to potentially get quite annoyed at certain individuals.
‘One of the Most Naturally Gifted Players I’ve Come Across’
I feel like I've got a good barometer when it comes to seeing players and their talent and what they're capable of doing. And I think Ollie is probably one of the best naturally gifted players I've come across in terms of his ability to do everything, but his main superpower, his main X factor is the way he can take the ball at the line with six defenders on him and still make a few metres, and hold the ball and create something.
And obviously, you know what he can do in space, but it's the real hard work that allows the next phase for you to score a try that is probably not seen or highlighted very well when the commentators are talking about a superb try. It is that part of his game which is just unbelievable.
I think he could be world-class. At the minute, he's obviously performing well in the England team, but I think if he keeps his confidence up and he gets the opportunities, which I hope he deserves then he could be a world-class player.
Lawrence and Slade Are Head and Shoulders Above Rest, but Oscar Beard Is Next
I think there are some centres that are coming through such as Oscar Beard that probably need a little bit longer. But right now, I would say those two are head and shoulders above the rest of the crop.
I've actually been very impressed with how Oscar has gone.
My former Bath teammate Max Ojomoh has been injured all season, but I heard he was flying in pre-season. I think he had a real switch of mindset in terms of wanting to improve and get better.
The X-Factor Difference Maker England Could Be Looking For?
One player for me who stands out is Gabriel Ibitoye at Harlequins.
He probably maybe doesn't fit the perfect picture in terms of what the coaches are looking for, but for me, he is a player who can create something from absolutely nothing. He is different. You're not sure how to defend him. He has a true X factor.
I just think the unpredictability of a player like that to have in your arsenal can be a game-winner.
If he gets a ball in his hand and he's got some space, you know that he's going to create something. That’s the excitement that we all want to see in an England team.
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