Hastings slams Scotland fans’ Jones abuse
SCOTLAND great Scott Hastings has demanded that the fans who directed verbal and physical abuse at Eddie Jones are convicted.
Jones revealed on Wednesday that he feared for his safety while catching a train from Edinburgh to Manchester on the morning after England’s Calcutta Cup defeat at Murrayfield.
The Australian travelled alone to be a guest of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford on Sunday, before receiving similar treatment at the hands of football fans on the final leg of his journey from Manchester to London.
Video footage shot in Manchester shows Jones posing for selfies with Scotland supporters, who then turn on him. One calls him a “baldy **** ” as he is ushered into a car.
Following a separate incident, British Transport Police are investigating a report of verbal abuse against Jones after officers were sent to meet his train as it arrived into London Euston on Sunday evening.
“I am really upset about this. These despicable idiots are a disgrace. We need to find them, name and shame them and fine them for public disorder and harassment,” Hastings tweeted.
“Disgusting behaviour from a bunch of drunk idiots.”
Scottish Rugby offered strong condemnation, while former British and Irish Lion John Beattie has apologised to Jones, tweeting “so sorry”.
“Scottish Rugby is appalled by the verbal abuse suffered by Eddie Jones,” a statement read. “The disgusting behaviour does not represent the values of our sport or fans.”
Jones said: “I don’t consider myself any different from anyone else, so for me to travel on public transport I thought was okay. But I won’t in future.
“I never knock back a request for a selfie unless I’m racing to somewhere. But if this happens then you’ve got to have a look at your own safety.” RASSIE Erasmus has been named as the new South Africa coach.
Former Munster rugby director Erasmus (right), who played in 36 Tests for the Springboks, succeeds Allister Coetzee.
Coetzee was dismissed last month following a run of poor results, and 45-year-old Erasmus will combine coaching duties with his role as SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby.
Erasmus will head up the Springboks’ management team until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, SA Rugby announced.
“The Springbok team is our flagship brand, and the on-field performances have a direct impact on the business of SA Rugby,” chief executive Jurie Roux told the organisation’s official website.
“Following a very detailed review process of the 2017 season, I believe that we have managed to assemble a strong and experienced Springbok coaching and management staff.
“We are looking forward to seeing improved performances this season.”
Erasmus’ first Test at the helm will be against Wales in Washington DC on June 2, which is followed by a three-Test home series against England.
“It is a huge task to coach the Springboks, and I am very privileged,” Erasmus said.
“I really believe we have the players and the rugby IP (intellectual property) to turn things around and to mount a serious challenge at next year’s Rugby World Cup.
“We have 18 Tests and just under 600 days until Japan 2019, and although a lot of planning has already gone into our Rugby World Cup preparation, it is very important that we prepare thoroughly for the matches against Wales and England in June.”