Eddie Jones is set to be re-appointed as the head coach of Japan’s national rugby team pending approval from the union’s board. Photo by FRANCIS BOMPARD / AFP
Rugby World Cup: Is Eddie Jones the José Mourinho of the sport?
Australia’s Rugby World Cup coach Eddie Jones has often courted controversy, much like the legendary Jose Mourinho.
Eddie Jones is set to be re-appointed as the head coach of Japan’s national rugby team pending approval from the union’s board. Photo by FRANCIS BOMPARD / AFP
Australian rugby coach Eddie Jones isn’t exactly covering himself in glory at Rugby World Cup 2023. There are some interesting parallels between him and the legendary Portuguese football tactician Jose Mourinho.
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Is Eddie Jones the José Mourinho of rugby?
Like much-celebrated footballer manager José Mourinho, Eddie Jones has enjoyed a long and colourful coaching career around the globe. He’s enjoyed stints with both clubs and countries in Australia, Japan and South Africa, in various technical roles, and enjoyed a lot of success in the process. Jones has picked up a number of team accolades, most notably the Tri-Nations title in 2001 and he also steered the Wallabies to the Rugby World Cup final in 2003. Those go alongside the numerous personal achievements he’s been bestowed with down the years.
You wouldn’t say Jones is the most popular personality on the rugby scene. Like Mourinho, he’s attracted plenty of haters (and admirers, let it be said) for his sarcastic approach to the media. His tactics have also never been the most attractive, but they have been highly effective in getting results. Both Jones and Mourinho seem to be past their sell-by date though. Perhaps their approaches to modern sports are outdated.
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LUKHANYO AM BACK WITH THE SPRINGBOKS
In other news, following a serious facial injury sustained by Makazole Mapimpi, scorer of South Africa’s first-ever try in a Rugby World Cup final, the technical team have opted to utilize their option to draft a backup player back into the fold. Lukhanyo Am was an instrumental part of the Springboks’ success in Japan four years ago, and his world-class capabilities at outside centre will no doubt give coach Jacques Nienaber a host of new intriguing options.
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What do you think? Is Eddie Jones the Jose Mourinho of rugby? Let us know in the comments.
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game of rugby.
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