Eddie Jones’ return to Twickenham as Japan’s head coach took a surprising turn during Sunday’s match against England. Making his first appearance at the stadium since being dismissed as England’s coach in 2022, Jones encountered verbal abuse from a fan, an incident he promptly reported to stadium staff at halftime.
Despite the hostile encounter, Jones reflected on the atmosphere and his time back at rugby’s iconic venue. “It wasn’t bad until some clown abused me going down the stairs at half-time,” Jones remarked. “If there’s only one clown in 81,634, that’s not bad. I’m not going to repeat what was said because I’ll get into trouble.”
England Triumphs While Jones Stays in the Spotlight
On the pitch, England delivered a commanding performance, securing a 59-14 victory over Japan. This marked a much-needed win after a challenging run of five consecutive losses. Reflecting on England’s performance, Jones acknowledged the positive direction under current coach Steve Borthwick.
“They’re going in the right direction,” Jones said. “I look at Marcus Smith today—having brought him in when he was young—and now he’s so composed and confident in his decision-making.”
Borthwick, summarizing the campaign, expressed a mix of frustration and optimism. “The overriding feeling will be one of frustration for not converting opportunities into wins, but there’s positivity in how the team plays,” he said.
Danny Care’s ‘Toxic Culture’ Claim Sparks a Response
Adding to the drama of the day, Jones used the opportunity to address claims by England player Danny Care, who had criticized Jones’ tenure for fostering a “toxic culture.” While Jones dodged media appearances earlier in the week due to a reported cold, he took a playful jab at Care when asked about the accusations.
“I’ve got a new book deal,” Jones quipped. “It’s going to be called Caring about Care. I’ll put a whole chapter in there about it, and if you want the details, pre-orders are open!”
Jones hinted at partnering with the Daily Mail to serialize the book, adding a mischievous edge to the saga.
Looking Ahead: England Prepares for the Six Nations
As England’s autumn series wraps up, the focus now shifts to their Six Nations opener against Ireland next year. Players will return to their clubs to regroup before tackling one of rugby’s most prestigious tournaments.
For Eddie Jones, however, the chapter at Twickenham ended on a bittersweet note. While the day highlighted England’s resurgence, it also spotlighted the tensions and unresolved issues lingering from his tenure. As for the book? Fans will have to wait to see what Jones has to say about his former players and their claims.
What’s next for Eddie Jones and Japan remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Jones continues to command attention, both on and off the field.
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