The RFU has issued a statement on Eddie Jones’ post match comments after England’s match against Wales.
Following their 33-10 win at Twickenham, Jones was furious with Manu Tuilagi’s red card, saying after: “I usually don’t comment on decisions, but I find this bizarre and ridiculous. I don’t see how you can tackle a guy now. It’s absolute rubbish.”
In a statement, the RFU responded: “The RFU does not condone comments that undermine the integrity of match officials, who are central to the sport and its values.
“We have discussed with England head coach Eddie Jones the nature of the comments he made to the media in the immediate aftermath of a dramatic finish to the England versus Wales Guinness Six Nations match on Saturday, and have made it clear that such comments are not in line with the values of the sport or the RFU.
“Eddie and the RFU regret any implication that Ben O’Keefe was biased in his decision making. We have outlined this position to the tournament organisers the Six Nations and World Rugby, who will pass on our apologies to Ben O’Keefe and the match officials team.
“In the meantime, Eddie Jones and the RFU have proposed a high level discussion forum with World Rugby to help achieve greater general alignment between coaches and match officials.
“All parties are satisfied the matter has been dealt with appropriately, are confident that further action would be taken should such a situation occur in the future, and consider the matter to be closed.”
List of Rugby union events affected by coronavirus outbreak
The following is a list of rugby union affected by a coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 1,800 people and infected more than 70,000 in China after emerging late last year in Wuhan, Hubei province.
Six Nations: Ireland vs. Italy in Dublin on March 7; Italy vs. England in Rome on March 14; France vs. Ireland in Paris on March 14, postponed.
Women’s Six Nations: Italy vs. Scotland in Legnano on Feb. 23; Scotland vs. France in Glasgow on March 7; Ireland vs. Italy in Dublin on March 8; Italy vs. England in Padua on March 15; Wales vs. Scotland in Cardiff on March 15; France vs. Ireland in Villeneuve-d’Ascq on March 15, postponed.
European Championship: Georgia vs. Russia will now be played behind closed doors
Pro14: Zebre vs. Ospreys on Feb. 29; Treviso vs. Ulster on Feb. 29; Cardiff vs. Zebre on March 21; Treviso vs. Munster on March 21; Munster vs. Treviso on March 27; Zebre vs. Connacht on March 27, postponed.