All eyes on pained Jones

ENGLAND coach Eddie Jones arrived at the Six Nations launch in London yesterday with a badly bruised face after a reported slip in his bathroom.

The Australian, who has won all 13 of his matches in charge of England since taking over following the 2015 World Cup, had a wound dressing around his left eye, which was bruised.

Jones hurt himself during a fall, a Rugby Football Union spokesman said. He refused to give further details although it is understood the coach may have slipped in the shower.

Meanwhile it appeared that Dylan Harley had been confirmed as England captain for the tournament.

The Northampton hooker, who last season led England to a Six Nations Grand Slam, took to the stage at the launch alongside rival captains for a question-and-answer session.

Hartley was given a six-week ban after being sent off for striking Sean O’Brien during Northampton’s defeat by Leinster on December 3.

But despite his recent lack of match action, the New Zealand-born front-row is on course to lead England in their Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on February 4.

Hartley, asked about his fitness, replied: “We did this last year, talking about me; I’m here on behalf of the team.

“The challenge is to use this week as best we can to get the preparation right for a huge first game.”

With injuries to first-choice players such as backrow forwards Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola set to deprive England of key players for the whole or part of the tournament, the champions’ squad depth faces a stern test.

Reflecting on some of England’s second-row options, Hartley said: “Last year there was a lot of column inches about Maro Itoje and George Kruis, but it’s good to see people like Courtney Lawes coming back. We’ve got good depth and competition brings the best out of the team.”

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, whose side welcome England to Cardiff on February 11, said Hartley’s men were the team to beat. — AFP