“What did you say? What did you say?”
Eddie Jones achieved a great deal in his time as head coach with Australia, but some misguided souls must reckon he should have steered clear of Test rugby after that.
After a successful Super Rugby stint with the Brumbies, Jones was coach of Australia from 2001 to 2005. He lead the Wallabies to a Tri Nations Series title, two Bledisloe Cups and big wins against the likes of England, France, South Africa and Ireland. His only regret must be losing to England in a 2003 World Cup final hosted in Sydney.
From 2006 to 2015, Jones held either coaching or technical advisor roles with five different sides. He was offered the England job after the 2015 World Cup and has led them to three Six Nations titles [including a Grand Slam] and a 2019 World Cup final.
Some in Australia probably did not mind his stints with Saracens or Suntory Sungoliath. Out of sight, out of mind. They may not have taken it to heart that Jones started coaching another country, Japan, from 2012 to 2015. However, take over England and twice bring them to Australia to win test series against the locals? That was too much for some vocal, disrespectful fans on Saturday night.
Following England’s 21-17 win over the Wallabies, which clinched a 2-1 series win, Eddie Jones was treated to some distasteful comments from local fans. A couple of videos have been circulating since Saturday evening, in Sydney, and Jones more than stands his ground.
In the clip [below], one supporter gets Jones’ attention and, finger wagging, yells, “You’re a traitor.”
“What did you say? What did you say,” shouts Jones, as he pushes past a security guard. “Come here and say it. Come here and say it. Come here and say it!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgGwNkAFj73/
‘Clowns think they have full go to abuse coaches’ – Eddie Jones
In another clip, Eddie Jones is heading towards the pitch, after the game, when a voice calls out with that barbed word again – Traitor.
“What did you say, you f***ing idiot?” Jones demands. “Go and f*** yourself mate.”
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has condemned the abuse of the England head coach.
“That fan’s behaviour is totally unacceptable and is not welcome at a Wallabies Test if he carries on like that. We should be acknowledging Eddie’s achievements as a great Aussie export. There’s too much tall poppy syndrome in that comment.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reached out to Jones for a comment about the post-match incidents. ‘Clowns think they have full ‘go’ to abuse coaches,’ he responded. ‘Just being abused from go to whoa.’
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