JONES IN ‘SCUM’ ROW
England coach says sorry
EDDIE JONES could be in hot water as a video emerged of him branding the Irish “scummy” and calling Wales a “little s*** place”.
The England coach issued an apology last night after footage emerged of him insulting his rivals.
The comments come at an embarrassing time, with England playing Six Nations champions Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.
They were made at a motivational talk for Fuso, the Japanese parent company of England sponsors Mitsubishi.
It took place in July last year, when England had won the Six Nations and suffered only one defeat, in Dublin, under the Australian’s reign.
Jones said: “We’ve only lost one Test to the scummy Irish. I still get dirty about that game, but we will get ’em back.”
Jones also made fun of rugby-mad Wales, saying: “Wales! Who knows Wales? It’s a little s*** place that has three million people – three million!”
Last night Jones said: “I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused – no excuses. I shouldn’t have said what I said. I’m very sorry.” The RFU plan to contact Ireland and Wales at board level to distance themselves from Jones’ comments.
An RFU spokeswoman said: “Eddie has apologised for his inappropriate remarks and the RFU is also very sorry for any offence caused and will apologise to the IRFU and WRU.”
Jones’ comments have infuriated fans, with one tweeting: “Scummy Irish?! I felt sorry for Eddie when he was abused by those Scottish fans 2 weeks ago, I don’t any more.”
Another wrote: “As if we needed more of a reason to beat the English on Paddy’s day! Hope the only “scummy” sight is Eddie Jones in tears. He’s definitely an ugly crier.”
England skipper Dylan Hartley (calf) and winger Elliot Daly (foot) have been declared fit for the Ireland game.
But forwards Courtney Lawes and Nathan Hughes have been ruled out for the rest of the season and England’s summer tour to South Africa while they recover from knee surgery.