"Demented Papa Smurf" – Eddie Jones causes Six Nations outrage on ITV debut
Today at 02:58 AM
Eddie Jones' return to the limelight as part of ITV's Six Nations punditry team didn't go down well with some viewers, who were less than impressed by the former England head coach's presence on their screens.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
One fan fumed: “ITV, why have you got this weasel on your coverage of Ire v England today? Arrogance personified.”
A Risky Call That Backfired
Jones had all the hallmarks of an exciting, mischievous booking by ITV—an outspoken, controversial figure with no shortage of opinions on the England setup.
Given that he once questioned whether Maro Itoje was captaincy material, there was a sense that the Aussie firebrand might let loose on England's leadership choices.
Instead, viewers got a far more subdued version of Jones—guarded, bland, and far from his usual headline-grabbing self.
Perhaps he was nervous or simply freezing on the Dublin touchline, where his choice of headwear drew its own criticism. Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan quipped: "Eddie Jones popping up on ITV like a slightly demented, malevolent Papa Smurf.
Fans Were Not Having It
Social media didn't hold back, with one fan posting: “That’s outrageous… ITV have Eddie Jones as part of their expert panel for the #IREvENG #SixNationsRugby game today. Hilarious!!”
Another viewer added: “Anyone else having to mute the TV when Eddie Jones opens his mouth?”
A third wrote: “Is Eddie Jones the best ITV can do?”
And another piled on: “ITV having Eddie Jones on the panel in Dublin today. Brave move, that one, all things considered.”
For ITV, it was a gamble that didn't pay off. Instead of fireworks, fans were left wondering why the broadcaster had given Jones the mic in the first place.
SIX NATIONS PREDICTOR GAME
A winner will be selected from those with the most points at the end of the game week
Editors Picks:
- Scotland forward was banned from Twickenham after heated scrap with Owen Farrell
- Finn Russell's Missus Shuts Down Trolls with Savage Response
- England Rugby stars wife shows off stunning body transformation after losing 26kg
- Four players Wales must drop – and who should replace them
- Finn Russell's Missus Shuts Down Trolls with Savage Response
Four players England should drop – and who Steve Borthwick should replace them with
For England, it's a sixth defeat in seven matches under Borthwick and a baptism of fire for Maro Itoje in his first game since replacing Jamie George as captain.
With a crucial clash against France at the Allianz Stadium up next, here are four changes Borthwick must consider.
#1. Freddie Steward
Telegraph 4/10: “His worst nightmare of facing a scrum half in open space recurred as Gibson-Park did him dirty as badly as Grant Williams had. England need more than a safety blanket at full back.”
Replacement: George Hendy
#2. Cadan Murley
Planet Rugby 4/10: “Had a great moment early on when he scored a debut try but a bit rabbit in the headlights after that. Made a couple of errors no Test player should ever really make, quite frankly. Murley should be backed next weekend as you can see the talent and potential, but it was a big learning curve in Dublin”
Guardian 5/10: “Quickly snaffled a try on debut, but later invited pressure on teammates twice with a serious lack of composure in defence.”
Telegraph 4/10: “After what set to be a dream debut, scoring a try after eight minutes, Ireland turned his life into a nightmare, forcing into some horrible naive errors.”
Evening Standard 5/10: “Got off to a flyer on his debut by scoring inside the opening 10 minutes. Had a tough second half, though, and was shaky on kick defence. Did assist Curry's try.”
Replacement: Tom Roebuck
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post “Demented Papa Smurf” – Eddie Jones causes Six Nations outrage on ITV debut appeared first on Ruck.
