Jamie George insists ‘winning doesn’t have to come at a cost’ after Eddie Jones criticism

Eddie Jones’ England tenure has come in for criticism after Danny Care detailed issues within the camp and Jamie George insists winning doesn’t have to come at the cost of individuals

Jamie George insists success doesn’t have to come with a human cost as Eddie Jones’ England regime was thrown into the spotlight again this week.

The Australian was in charge of England for seven years before his dismissal in 2022. Jones’ tactics divided opinion with success coming despite some questionable treatment of his players. Danny Care, in an extract from his upcoming book, detailed some of the personal treatment received by England players.

He himself was on the receiving end of it. Towards the latter end of Jones’ regime he was hooked before half-time in a deciding Test Match with Australia. England went on to with that day and Care acknowledged, whilst he was the one paying the price, Jones’ tactics worked. He also detailed some of the communications he received from the former head coach.

The England squad, now captained by George, have been open about the positive change in the environment since Steve Borthwick was appointed. The Saracens hooker has pointed to his club success to underline that winning environments don’t have to come with negative repercussions.

He said: “I don’t think necessarily there is always a cost to winning. I’ve been part of teams that create really positive environments, Saracens being one of them. We won some big things and were successful with a different way of going about things. At the same time there’s success both ways so it depends on the personnel.”

Speaking on Care’s experience he added: “I think everyone has their own experiences with. First of all I Iived it with Danny at the time I know how he felt. Eddie is never someone who never wanted to sit still, wanted to get better, pushed people and it was challenging at times and I know what Danny is saying.

“Equally he said that Eddie was one of the best coaches he work with, and that runs true as well. He did brilliant things with English rugby – made a World Cup final, Grand Slams, more Six Nations.

“Eddie was very clear in his ways. What I know is that now we have a more inclusive environment, where we can challenge and speak to the staff and I guess it hasn’t always been that way.”

Care has detailed some of Jones’ decisions which impacted him as well as the likes Kieran Brookes, Sam Jones and Luther Burrell. Jones went on to lead his homeland for a second time just months after he was dismissed by England.

Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has claimed that the reception Jones received in England was down to cultural differences as he said: “It’s how you take it. I grew up in a different culture to what it is now in rugby. I’ve got a good relationship with Eddie. I think he puts pressure, not just on the players, but the staff. I think that’s what Danny Care’s talking about, but again, it’s how you receive it. Whether you thrive under it.”