English rugby chiefs have been reminded that they are in the results business and there is no room for sentiment.
The home truths were spelt out by their Welsh counterparts who moved fast to sack Wayne Pivac and snap up Warren Gatland while the Rugby Football Union delayed judgement on Eddie Jones' fate.
Gatland was being considered by England as a short-term replacement through until next year’s World Cup. Instead he was persuaded to return to Wales by quick-thinking WRU bosses.
England are set to sack Jones on Tuesday but any hope they had of making a stop-gap appointment through to the World Cup has been lost due to a lengthy review process which will only now formally reach its conclusion
“Ultimately we are in the results business,” WRU boss Steve Phillips said.
“We have been able to take swift action in difficult circumstances. Warren will undoubtedly be able to make an immediate impact.”
Wales legend Sam Warburton even pointed out to the RFU at the weekend that Gatland would be a “perfect fit” for England, the two-time Lions captain adding that it “just makes so much sense”.
It is likely that Steve Borthwick will now be offered the role on a permanent basis with only weeks to prepare for a Six Nations campaign.
Gatland also has a tight timeline and acknowledged: “There is little time for sentiment. Professional sport is all about preparation, values and results.
“But I think I can hit the ground running. Of course [I’m putting my reputation on the line]. I’m under no illusions what the expectations are over the next 10 months.
“But I’ve always loved the challenge, going into environments with expectations and hopefully exceeding them.
“That’s part of professional sport. There are ups and downs. You live by your results and performances. I'm excited but you understand there are pressures and risks.’
Back at Twickenham the meeting of the review panel ended with no comment from the union, pending Tuesday's board judgement.
Borthwick, who worked under Jones both for Japan and England before quitting the international scene to transform Leicester into Premiership champions, is expected to succeed the Australian.
Borthwick is under contract at Welford Road but Leicester indicated last week that they would not stand in the way of the former England captain providing their compensation claim is met.
Gatland, meanwhile, has already begun planning for his reunion with the Principality.
"I’m confident I can come in and make a difference,” he said. “And get a side together that are proud to put that jersey on and when they go out and represent Wales are prepared to die for that jersey.
“Those are my expectations. I don’t expect anything less from the players.”
