England Rugby head coach Eddie Jones has been shut down by the Rugby Football Union after he criticised the English game’s reliance on the private school system.
In an interview published over the weekend, Jones accused independent schools of not doing enough to produce resilient or skilful rugby players. The Australian believes players from a public-school background crack under pressure due to their ‘closeted life’.
Jones also said the players lacked ‘resolve’, and the RFU would have to ‘blow the whole thing up’. The view has been condemned as ‘insulting’ as well as ‘divisive and disrespectful’ by 2003 World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodard.
The comments also angered those who have worked in the system and raised concerns at the RFU, too. The governing body confirmed RFU boss Bill Sweeney had to verbally reprimand Jones after the 62-year-old’s comments came to light.
“RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney spoke to the England head coach, Eddie Jones, on Sunday and confirmed the RFU’s position on the valued role the independent sector plays in the player pathway,” an RFU statement read. “The RFU is hugely appreciative and supportive of the role both the independent and state school sectors play in introducing boys and girls to our sport and in our player pathway.
“A collaborative approach and strong partnerships within the education sector ensure players are supported and offered opportunities to develop at all schools. The most recent England men’s squad contained players who have benefited from time within independent schools, including Maro Itoje and Henry Arundell, as well as many from the state sector including Jonny Hill and Courtney Lawes.
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“As a union, we are always working to broaden the appeal and accessibility of rugby union to boys and girls from a wide range of backgrounds.”
In the interview, Jones claimed the system created young players who struggled to lead in big moments as ‘everything’s done for you’. He added: “When we are on the front foot we are the best in the world. When we are not on the front foot our ability to find a way to win, our resolve, is not as it should be.”
Woodward attacked Jones’ comments and explained the independent sector produced most of England’s immortal World Cup winning squad from 2003.
