Jones labels press conference ‘worst ever’ in airport rant
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones speaks to media at Sydney International Airport on August 17, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Australia coach Eddie Jones criticised the media in a press conference at Sydney Airport before heading off to France for the Rugby World Cup.
Among his criticism Jones claimed the press conference was the “worst I’ve ever had”, that part of the Australian media were “the problem” with rugby in the country and that the journalists should “go give yourselves uppercuts” as his final remarks.
Even when a member of the media decided to ask a positive question about what he sees in the team Jones answered sarcastically.
“Nothing, mate. We’re terrible,” he responded. “Just tell us we’re terrible and we’ll prove you wrong.
With Quade Cooper and Michael Hooper left out of the Wallabies squad to go north, Jones faced criticism in some quarters of the Australian media including the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I know what’s wrong with Australian rugby and part of you blokes are the problem,” Jones said, wearing an Akubra and standing in front of a billboard wishing his side luck.
“Thanks for the worst press conference I’ve ever had in world rugby. Well done – the worst I’ve ever seen.
“I can’t believe the level of negativity here. You’re so negative about everything.
“We’re going off to a World Cup you think we can’t win. I can feel this negativity – I’ve got to wash myself off because it’s just sticking to me.
“If you haven’t got anything positive to say, don’t ask please.”
Jones’ Australia have lost all four of their games in his short tenure so far, finishing winless and bottom of The Rugby Championship for the first time in the tournament’s history.
He heads to France with a warm-up game against the host nation, before his side face Georgia, Fiji, Wales and Portugal in Pool C of the World Cup.
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