Jersey Reds chairman Mark Morgan has expressed pride at the club’s continued success in acting as a solid stepping stone towards international rugby, after agreeing to release Robinson for an eight-week period so he can fill a void within Eddie Jones’ backroom staff.
The 27-year-old will act as skills coach for the defending champions throughout the 2021 Six Nations, with the deal stemming from a corporate visit by Jones to St Peter last year.
‘Eddie Jones spent time with our coaches when he was in Jersey a year ago and Ed must had made an impression at that point,’ Morgan explained.
‘He reached out to Ed this week and after speaking with Harvey [Biljon, Reds’ director of rugby] we said “go for it”. What a fantastic opportunity.’
Jersey have been compensated by England Rugby as part of the deal, which will keep Robinson away from St Peter until 22 March, although it is the continued recognition for developing talent that has club officials most excited.
‘Honestly, [the funding] is helpful but that is secondary,’ Morgan said.
‘We’ve become used to seeing players move forward from the club – there are six current internationals playing now who are ex-club men – but what’s really important about this is that for the first time one of our non-playing staff has been given an opportunity.
‘Again it’s testimony to how the Championship can be a great breeding ground for not just players, but any of their support staff as well. We may not be able to pay the best but I think we compensate for that with everything else that gives them an opportunity to perform at their peak.’
Morgan added: ‘This is going to get Jersey in the spotlight as an Island. It’s free promotion for the Island and we’re proud of that.’
Discussing the addition of Robinson to his team, Jones said: ‘We’re looking forward to welcoming Ed to our coaching staff for the tournament and we’d like to thank Jersey Reds for their cooperation and support in making it happen.
‘He’s a talented young coach and will hopefully help the players improve.’
Robinson may be thrown in at the deep end on his arrival at St George’s Park next week following news that England’s scrum coach has tested positive for Covid-19 – forcing Jones and one other coach into isolation.
England begin their Six Nations defence against Scotland on 6 February.
