Conte and Jones meet to talk about the winning mentality

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has visited England rugby head coach Eddie Jones to tap into the winning mentality.

Jones has won all 16 of his test matches in charge since reviving England following their 2015 Rugby World Cup exit, while Conte has similarly rejuvenated the Blues during his first season in English football.

Chelsea were due to host Swansea City yesterday with an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League, having finished 10th last season in defence of the 2014/15 title won under José Mourinho.

Conte said on englandrugby.com: "We spoke about our experience and it was very interesting to speak to him [Jones]. Eddie is a winner and he is transferring that mentality on to the team."

Alan Pardew, currently out of work since his departure from Crystal Palace, also watched a training session this week.

Jones visited Chelsea's Cobham training base last April, when Guus Hiddink was interim manager, and on Wednesday Conte and assistant coach Steve Holland went to Bagshot to the England rugby training base.

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Against the Swans yesterday, Chelsea were seeking a 12th home win from 13 league matches this season and earlier this term won 13 successive Premier League matches.

Former Italy head coach Conte's compatriots play England today in the Six Nations at Twickenham.

Jones' men will be seeking a 17th successive test win which would see them move within one of New Zealand's world best.

The first win in the sequence came under Stuart Lancaster against Uruguay, but did not prevent England exiting a home World Cup, prompting Jones' appointment.

Conte last week said he would prioritise winning over keeping individual players happy, something Jones might concur with.

"It is important for me to compare my work and experience with another sport to gain inspiration and tactical ideas for the future," Conte added.

"For me it was very interesting to observe another sport and the differences between the two such as the physical aspect to their training as well as speak with Eddie Jones about the analysis side to the game."

England football manager Gareth Southgate and several other Premier League bosses have met Jones to exchange ideas.

England and Bath flyhalf George Ford is a Chelsea supporter and was pleased to meet Conte.

"I used to love watching Frank Lampard play so that's where my support for Chelsea comes from," he said. "It was great to meet the manager, you can obviously see why they are successful at the minute, he is very experienced at what he does and meeting Steve Holland was also great.

"There are 13 Premier League games left, they are in a good spot, so touch wood they can win it."