Eddie Jones: England's defeat to Ireland recalled end of my era
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Eddie Jones, the former England rugby coach, has reflected on the team’s defeat by Ireland, describing how it evoked memories of his own departure from the role. Jones criticized Steve Borthwick, the current head coach and his former assistant, for making premature public statements about targeting a title-deciding match against France before the tournament began. He argued that such forward-looking comments created unnecessary distractions, leading players and their support networks to focus on hypothetical scenarios rather than fully preparing for immediate challenges.
Jones emphasized the psychological impact of these kinds of announcements, suggesting that they can shift a team’s mindset and lead to overconfidence or complacency. He pointed out that England’s performance decline following a streak of 12 consecutive wins could be traced back to “emotional control,” which he attributed to factors like poor preparation, leadership on the field, or players not fully committing to the team dynamic.
In discussing potential solutions, Jones highlighted the importance of strong leadership from both on-field players and off-field management. He urged Borthwick to reconsider decisions like starting Henry Pollock in key matches, arguing that Pollock’s impact is more effective in shorter bursts as a substitute rather than playing the full 80 minutes. Jones compared Pollock to former South Africa back row Bobby Skinstad, noting that while Pollock has moments of brilliance, he lacks the endurance required for a full match.
Jones’ insights into team management and leadership provide valuable context for understanding England’s struggles in the tournament. His comments not only shed light on the challenges faced by coaches but also underscore the delicate balance between strategic planning and maintaining player focus. For fans and readers interested in the inner workings of sports teams, Jones’ reflections offer a rare glimpse into the decisions that can make or break a squad’s performance.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026