BBC Rugby Union News: Danny Cipriani Takes Aim at Ex-England Boss Eddie Jones
Former England fly-half Danny Cipriani has launched a scathing attack on ex-national team coach Eddie Jones, claiming the Australian “didn’t feel like he could bully” him, contributing to Cipriani’s limited appearances under Jones’ leadership.
In his new book, the 37-year-old Cipriani accused Jones of having “a chip on his shoulder” and always being “in a fight,” stating, “I wouldn’t give him my child for a week and he’s not someone I’d want to lead my country either because of the way he is.“
Cipriani, who won 16 caps for England, believes Jones shunned him because the former boss “didn’t feel like he could bully me.” The former Wasps playmaker elaborated, “Eddie probably felt I would stand up to him too much and he didn’t feel like he could bully me, so he just didn’t bring me into the environment.“
While critical of Jones’ management style, Cipriani expressed some “compassion” for the Australian, suggesting “he’s not happy with the way he’s behaving and the way he is” and that “it’s all he knows.”
Cipriani also took aim at previous England coaches Stuart Lancaster and Andy Farrell, saying he “had to fight against a regime every single time I was playing” and was “never going to suffer fools or bend my truth just to get picked for England.”
Despite his limited international opportunities, Cipriani remains proud of his achievements, claiming he was “turning water to wine in one season and Eddie didn’t even pick me so it was mad.”
The rugby union veteran is currently based in Los Angeles but will return to England this week to participate in a cross-code charity match at Headingley on Sunday, raising funds for MND charities.
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