Sir Clive Woodward slams Eddie Jones' new contract - Ruck

Sir Clive Woodward slams Eddie Jones’ new contract

Sir Clive Woodward has slammed the RFU h over the timing of the announcement of Eddie Jones’ new deal, which makes him the highest paid international coach in the world.

“I don’t understand the timing,” he wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

“Announcing that Eddie is to become the best-paid coach in history while other nations and clubs are on the verge of bankruptcy seemed insensitive, at best.

“That was a story that didn’t play out well in the current climate. There is going to be real hardship and rugby nations such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are struggling.”

He also questioned the level of scrutiny that Jones has faced since England flopped in the 2019 World Cup final in Japan.

“Was there analysis at the RFU as to why they played so poorly in the final or why they went to Japan with only two scrum-halves and five props?” Woodward asked.

“Why was Joe Marler allowed to make a mockery of the press conference I attended in that final week? Who were the rugby celebrities coming and going from the camp and why did the team arrive at the stadium just 40 minutes before kick-off?”


LIST | 5 wonderkids who could star for England at 2023 Rugby World Cup

The England XV that started the 2019 Rugby World Cup final was the youngest ever to play in rugby union’s showpiece, with every member of the starting side 30 years of age or younger.

However, head coach Eddie Jones – with his new deal locked in – believes a squad evolution will be necessary before France 2023, saying the current team ‘doesn’t have another World Cup in them’.

Here are five players who could potentially break into the England set-up…

1. Josh Hodge

  • Current number of caps: 0
  • Position: Fullback
  • Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23

One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role f=or Newcastle Falcons on their return to the Premiership. Hopefully he’ll then be in a place to make a bid for international honours.

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