- Eddie Jones says section of rugby media are ‘idiots’
- He says there is no toughness in Australian rugby now
- New documentary premieres on February 22, only about Stan
Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has delivered a latest stinging insult to Australian rugby, saying it has “no toughness” and labeling sections of the code “idiots” in the media.
Jones criticized journalists before flying to France for the World Cup, telling them to “hit themselves” and has now given them a second dose in Stan’s new documentary series The Wallabies.
‘I thought it was ridiculous. And it shows the dearth of Australian rugby journalism right now,” he says in the three-part series, which covers the ill-fated campaign.
“Australian rugby is in a bad state and there are a couple of idiots parading around like journalists asking questions about players who have been left out.
‘We are about to go on a World Cup (tour) with a group of young players who deserve the opportunity. “I thought it was completely out of context and completely inappropriate.”
Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones still in the news after his departure
Jones says in Stan’s documentary ‘The Wallabies’ that Australian rugby lacks toughness
Elsewhere in the captivating documentary, Jones unleashes a harsh critique of Australian rugby after the team’s 40-6 loss to Wales in Lyon.
‘That’s the problem my friend. We don’t have toughness,” Jones tells veteran prop James Slipper.
‘Like, you know, the toughness of the game is different than any kind of toughness, when you just stay in the damn game and do it.
“There is nothing like that in Australian rugby now. And that’s where the big gap is, friend. How you look at those Welsh players, mate. They play 30 games a year.
“They’re tough, seasoned players, so they can keep going.” They know they have to do it. And we’ve just lost that in Australian rugby.”
Slipper listens, but does not respond to his trainer.
“We’re not tough, but we’re not trained to be tough now and we’re not used to playing tough,” Jones continues.
Jones says Australian players were not prepared to play Test match rugby
“As if it’s an exception to play hard now instead of normal.” Stand out like dog balls, buddy. Because they are good players and they care a lot about the players, but they are just not prepared to play Test match rugby consistently.
“Prepare to fail, friend.”
Stan’s The Wallabies – Inside the 2023 Rugby World Cup is available to view in Australia from February 22.