An Eddie Jones press conference has always been an event in itself. You never quite know what's coming. A compliment, a cutting observation, a verbal grenade.
Sometimes all three, invariably delivered with that mischievous smile. Jones belongs to a disappearing generation of coaches who understood that the contest could begin long before the players took the field. At 66, Jones remains one of rugby's most fascinating characters from that old school.
He is a man of contradictions: an extraordinary workaholic renowned for impossible standards, yet known to quietly coach minis or drive to testimonial dinners without a fee. His career had extremes: dismissed by England in 2022 and Australia's Wallabies exiting the 2023 World Cup pool stage. After a prickly moment in Lyon following a Wales victory, he returned relaxed and charming for Japan's Nations Championship match in Cardiff.
He praised Wales' rebuilding under Steve Tandy, highlighting Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan, and expressed deep admiration for Liam Williams, calling him a rugby purist's dream. Japan's coach seeks to silence the Cardiff crowd for a psychological edge. As the conversation ended, Jones encouraged Welsh fans to support their team, but warned: "But don't back them too much on Saturday.".
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing