Using several interviews with various sources from down the years, we’ve ranked Eddie Jones three most talented players based on the men he bestowed with the most acclaim.
#1. Owen Farrell (England)
Owen Farrell of England takes a penalty kick during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)
Jones said: “If we don’t have Owen then we lose a huge percentage of our fight. He’s the most energetic and one of the most committed rugby players I’ve ever seen,”
“We need that. But we also need someone who is also composed and speaks to the referee well. We need both.
“You know Owen is the third highest points scorer in rugby history? He’s one of the all-time greats of the game.
“He’s won every trophy in the world apart from the World Cup and he’s got a silver medal, which isn’t bad. Sometimes I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.
“Some players have that likeness. When you’re a tough, gritty player like Owen, it’s harder to be liked. That’s the reality.
“He’s combative, he’s very focused about the game and he doesn’t open himself up a lot. That’s the reality. But he’s an icon of the game here.
“He’s resurrecting Saracens now – they’re back up playing fantastic rugby. We hope we get that Owen in with all that fighting spirit for next month.”
Owen Farrell facts:
- The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford
- His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight
- He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford
- It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009
- He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.
#2. Tom Curry (England)
Jones said: "I remember seeing him the first time, playing for Sale, and it reminded me of the feelings I’d had when I watched a young George Smith in Sydney grade rugby.
"After 30 minutes of watching Curry, who at the time was largely unknown outside of Sale, I thought, ‘Why hasn’t anyone mentioned this kid before?’ He was head and shoulders above everyone else on the field.
"It's amazing he's still so young. He’s going to be a special player."
Tom Curry facts:
- Curry played for Crewe & Nantwich in the early stages of his amateur career where he was coached by his father as well as local cult hero Bobby Walsh
- He, along with his twin brother Ben, is the son of Bishop Heber High School Head Teacher David Curry and nephew of former England hooker John Olver
- It is true that the brothers had a trial at Manchester City, who the twins support, but that was scuppered by Tom scoring a spectacular own goal. Probably for the best in the end
- The only way you can tell Tom and Ben apart is by their hair. Tom has his styled to the right while Ben has his swept to the left.
- The duo played for Sale FC in National 2 League North before making their debut for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership
#3. George Smith (Australia)
Jones said: "George played 110 caps by the time he was 29. I've always said he's probably the most consistent player I've ever worked with. World-class."
DID YOU KNOW? He is the second most capped Wallaby forward behind Nathan Sharpe
