Wednesday 27 April 2016 20:02, UK
Graham Rowntree says he's "proud" of England's Six Nations Grand Slam, despite being frustrated at not coaching the team.
Rowntree hailed Eddie Jones' "great job" in dragging England out of their post-World Cup mire, on his unveiling on Wednesday as Harlequins' new forwards coach for next season.
England's former forwards coach also tipped Stuart Lancaster to make a quick return to frontline coaching, revealing the World Cup boss is just waiting for the right offer.
Rowntree, who will join Harlequins in the summer when John Kingston replaces Conor O'Shea as rugby director, said: "I loved the Six Nations, and I was very proud of them winning, because we were so close for such a long time.
"So for those lads involved in those near-misses, and the whole rugby nation, the whole disappointment of the World Cup, for the rugby nation to have those two trophies, I'm proud."
Rowntree's appointment at Harlequins leaves just Lancaster as the only member of England's World Cup staff still seeking coaching work.
Lancaster, Andy Farrell, Mike Catt and Rowntree paid with their jobs, with former Australia boss Jones drafted in and since guiding England to the Grand Slam.
Asked if he felt any frustration in watching England succeed under Jones where they had fallen short under Lancaster, Rowntree said: "Of course, of course. But no resentment, absolutely none. I think they did a great job, the new coaching team.
"We've all moved on. I've moved on. The time since the World Cup has gone very quickly, I had a lot of time with the family, I've watched a lot of rugby, I've probably watched more rugby than ever, looking at it from a different context.
"I was keen to get back coaching as soon as I could, I had an enforced exile from the game, that was well documented. It was a hard period to be honest with you, but I'm not going to dwell on that much, because I learned a lot in that period and I'm going to use that going forward.
"And you've got to look forward, very quickly, six months down the line, I'm here, I'm refreshed, and ready. Fresh to go, ready to start tomorrow, they wouldn't let me by the way. I've got a lot of energy to give the game still, so here I am."
On Lancaster's future, Rowntree added: "I know he's had various opportunities and offers and he's just picking the right one, like we all are."
