Jones reprimanded by RFU over private schools comment
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England head coach Eddie Jones has been reprimanded by the Rugby Football Union for criticizing the national team’s reliance on the private school system.
Jones, 62, claimed the road produced players who had enjoyed a “closed life” and lacked “determination” in a weekend interview with the newspaper i.
Eight of the England team that won July test decision in Australia they were fully or partially schooled privately.
Jones was reminded of the “valued role” the sector played, the RFU said.
“The RFU greatly appreciates and supports the role that the independent and state school sectors play in introducing boys and girls to our sport and into our playing careers,” added a statement.
“A collaborative approach and strong partnerships within the education sector ensure that players are supported and given opportunities to develop at all schools.
“The most recent England men’s team contained players who have benefited from time within independent schools, such as Maro Itoje and Henry Arundell, as well as many from the state sector, such as Jonny Hill and Courtney Lawes.
“As a union, we are always working to widen the appeal and accessibility of rugby union to boys and girls from a wide variety of backgrounds.”
The union said its chief executive Bill Sweeney had spoken personally to the oft-spoken Australian coach, whose contract expires at Twickenham after next year’s World Cup, about his comments.
Jones had stated in his interview that “you have to exploit everything” as the system produced young players who found it difficult to lead because “everything is done for you”.
“When we’re up front we’re the best in the world,” added Jones. “When we’re not in front, our ability to find a way to win, our determination, it’s not what it should be.”
The independent sector produced the bulk of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad and that team’s head coach, Sir Clive Woodward, has branded Jones’ criticism “insulting, divisive and disrespectful”. .
