“Rugbypass understands”.
It’s only two words, but when they are followed up by a rumour that Richard Cockerill is head of the queue for the vacancy at Gloucester then they take on an importance that is, I hope, overstated and without any substance.
The Rugby Pod have also announced that Cockerill and Gloucester are in talks. As close as the hosts on that show are to the game, their repeated chat about how much money everyone makes and the size of their, ah, equipment are likely much more reliable.
All that said, there is no doubt that Richard Cockerill is a man in demand and with no rugby to watch the rumour mill is churning. There is no doubt he will be linked with every vacancy that arises in the English league.
Let’s face it, those opportunities turn up quite regularly.
Right there is reason number one why I don’t think he will be interested in this move. He has already found out what it’s like to be sacked from a club in that league when they’ve had a downturn in results.
And he was sacked from a club where he was a legend and had already won them two titles as coach – so why put your head back in that noose?
He has been interviewed twice recently, for both The Pro14 Big Interview with Sean Holley and Edinburgh Rugby’s own podcast, Inside the Castle. he has made it quite clear across those interviews that not only is he settled in Edinburgh with his family, but that he considers the Edinburgh job to be unfinished business and that he would happily sign an extension to his contract here.
You may have noticed: he’s a bit of a straight talker. So I can’t imagine he would have expressed those things if he was eyeing up a move. He doesn’t seem the hypocritical type.
One thing comes up repeatedly with Richard Cockerill and that is that you should, ‘stay in the fight’.
I consider him to be a man of his word and if that mantra is not just buzzwords then staying in the fight is finishing the job he started with Edinburgh. I think that’s exactly what he will do.
I could be entirely wrong – and if so I’d be disappointed, both for the club and in him.
I’ve no issue with people moving on but given everything he has said of late it would come as an even bigger kick in the teeth.
I guess time will tell whether he is the messiah or just a very naughty boy!