How a week with Eddie Jones will help shape Dubai Hurricanes' future

When the new coach of Dubai Hurricanes was invited, for one week only, to be part of Eddie Jones’ England staff, he knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime. And a challenging one, too.

Jones is notoriously demanding, sleep averse, and often spiky, but also one of the most fertile minds the sport has known.

It is no surprise Rocky Truter has returned to the UAE loaded with ideas to help lift Hurricanes back towards the top of West Asia rugby.

The South African was part of England’s coaching team leading up to the unofficial Test against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday.

His brief included taking full part in coaching meetings, assessing training sessions, and assisting with strategy, including on game day.

He mixed with the great and greater of rugby. On his phone, he now has good luck messages for the Hurricanes ahead of the new season from each of Marcus Smith, Jonny Wilkinson, and Jones himself.

Will Carling, the former England captain, was in camp providing masterclasses on leadership.

Even Steve Hansen, the World Cup-winning former New Zealand coach, made a guest appearance, having travelled to the UK to see his racehorse compete at Ascot.

Truter said he was a long way out of his comfort zone – and grateful for it.

“Eddie would pick our brains and put us on the spot inside team meetings,” Truter said.

“I arrived a day late, went straight into the training session. As we were walking away from the session, we had a meeting and immediately he put me on the spot, asking what I thought about the session and how I would improve it.

Dubai Hurricanes (grey/white shirts) take on Jebel Ali Dragons at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Ruel Pableo for The National

“All the coaches are