Eddie Jones has resigned as Australia head coach just 10 months into a five-year contract after the Wallabies’ pool-stage Rugby World Cup exit.
In January of this year, the former England head coach made a return for his second stint as the head of his homeland’s team. He took over from Dave Rennie and inked a substantial A$4.5 million (£2.35 million) agreement with Rugby Australia.
Nonetheless, a Rugby Championship campaign devoid of victories, a premature exit from this year’s World Cup during the group stage – a first in their history, and an unexpected loss to Fiji have collectively prompted Jones to step down from his position.
Jones claimed Sometimes you have to eat s— for others to eat caviar further down the track.”
Responding to this claim, Woodward said: “What a pathetic thing to say,
“Every Australian I have spoken with is just shaking their head over the whole situation. But this outburst and especially Jones’ language has just poured oil on the flames.
“It is really embarrassing for Rugby Australia and I would be very surprised if the Japanese Rugby Union would allow or condone this type of behaviour.
“Jones is coaching the Barbarians – a side with great standards and tradition – this weekend and I am sure the last thing they would want to be associated with is stuff like this.
“The real loser in all this is Dave Rennie who I thought was very harshly sacked to make room for Jones. Now, less than a year later, Australia are back to square one.”
Worst Rugby World Cup XV
Head coach: Eddie Jones
15. Marius Simionescu (Romania)
14. Jonny May (England)
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
12. Samu Kerevi (Australia)
11. Ben Lam (Samoa)