Eddie Jones reveals what he really thinks of England legend Sir Clive Woodward
Today at 04:53 AM
Eddie Jones won't have to face an awkward TV reunion with his long-time rival Sir Clive Woodward after stepping into a punditry role.
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Woodward, 69, has ended his association with ITV following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, meaning there will be no frosty encounters with Jones, 64, on the broadcast panel.
The tension between the two goes back decades to their days as rival coaches—Woodward leading England to their famous 2003 World Cup win, while Jones was in charge of Australia. But according to Jones, the bad blood isn't just about on-field battles.
Speaking on The Bye Round Podcast with England rugby league legend James Graham, Jones didn't hold back when discussing why he has no respect for Woodward.
"You've got to be forthright with what you think," Jones said. "He hasn't coached since 2005 and he's the 'world's best coach.' You're the world's best coach when you don't coach.
"He's consistently criticising. We had a bit of a thing when we were England and Australia coach, but his great gripe is that he wanted to be director of rugby at England. He wanted to oversee it and he never got that job. After the World Cup in 2019, he ran an internal campaign with the RFU to take that position and he did it behind my back—I thought it was quite sneaky and deceitful."
Jones didn't stop there, making it clear that the animosity is personal.
"I really don't value his thoughts at all and I don't like him as a bloke. Most blokes in our sport, they're generally face-to-face, and I don't mind that. But when people start doing things behind your back, and particularly the power he had in the media, I thought it was a bit red hot."
Taking aim at Woodward's continued media presence, Jones added:
"He made it personal by doing all that stuff behind the scenes. He'll deny it to the hilt. But I always find it a bit sad, and I hope that when I do finish coaching I don't become one of those blokes that knows everything. Coaching and playing is all about foresight, being a pundit is all about hindsight—you're always right."
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