ENGLAND rugby union manager Eddie Jones has today apologised after describing the Ireland rugby ream as “scummy Irish”.
The comments came to light ahead of this weekend’s England v Ireland Six Nations clash.
Ireland have already been crowned 2018 Six Nations champions but must beat England at Twickenham to secure the Grand Slam.
In the video, Jones described how at the time, his only defeat in 23 games in charge of England came against Ireland in the 2017 Six Nations.
“We’ve only lost one test to the scummy Irish,” he said. “I’m still dirty about that game.
“But we’ll get that back, we’ll get that back, don’t worry.
“We’ve got them next year at home, we’ll get them back.”
Tasmanian-born Jones also described Wales as “a little sh*t place”.
The comments were made in a talk for Fuso, parent company of England sponsors Mitsubishi.
The talk was given last July when it was also uploaded to the Fuso YouTube account, but the video only come to wider attention this week.
In an statement issued by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the governing body of rugby union in England, Jones said there were no excuses for his comments.
"I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused – no excuses and I shouldn't have said what I did. I'm very sorry."
An RFU spokeswoman added: "Eddie has apologised for his inappropriate remarks, and the RFU is also very sorry for any offence caused and will apologise to the IRFU and WRU."
Ireland face England at Twickenham at 2.45pm this Saturday, where victory would secure only their third Grand Slam.
