Sacked England coach Eddie Jones says he ‘wouldn’t do anything differently’

A Grand Slam, Six Nations title and a World Cup final appearance were among Jones’ successes

John Besley
Wednesday 21 December 2022 01:38 EST
Comments
(Mike Egerton/PA)
(Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Head shot of Andrew Feinberg

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Former England rugby coach Eddie Jones said he “wouldn’t do anything differently” despite being sacked earlier this month.

It was England’s form in 2022, their worst in terms of results in 14 years, that saw Jones dismissed earlier than expected by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) after an anonymous panel of experts had reviewed the underwhelming Autumn Nations series.

However in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the 62-year-old Australian said he still believes England were “on the right track” prior to his departure.

“I wouldn’t do anything differently,” Jones said. “I was quite confident that we were on the right track, leading up to the World Cup. And I still have that belief. But if others don’t share that, then that’s their decision.”

Jones was dismissed by the RFU on December 6 and replaced with his former assistant Steve Borthwick.

“I could feel the change in the wind,” Jones added. “You know, when you’ve been coaching for a while you feel when your support is starting to wane.”

Jones left the role with the highest win record of any England coach on 73 per cent, but that number drops to 42 per cent in a dismal 2022 that consisted of six defeats, one draw and five wins.

A Grand Slam, Six Nations title and a World Cup final appearance were among Jones’ early successes, but post-Japan 2019 his win percentage dropped to 65.

Despite this, Jones – who has been linked with a coaching role with Australia – said he felt like he still had “one more job in me”, adding: “I want to add to the game. I love the game, I love coaching.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in