South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has shown his respect for Eddie Jones, who was given the boot by the Rugby Football Union this week.
On Tuesday, Jones paid the price for presiding over England’s worst year since 2008, the team losing six out of 12 Tests, with five wins and a draw.
He was the second head coach to be fired this week after Wales replaced Wayne Pivac with predecessor Warren Gatland on Monday.
Jones was contracted to take England through until the end of the 2023 World Cup in France – he guided them to the 2019 final where they were beaten by South Africa – but the RFU has curtailed his seven-year reign.
As a way of paying tribute to Jones, Erasmus shared his interaction with the former England coach in November 2021.
The interaction happened a few days after England edged the Springboks 27-26 at Twickenham
Erasmus also famously received his first ban from World Rugby a few days before that match.
In a tweet this week, Erasmus described Jones as “a man who has rugby in his heart” with a screenshot of that brief interaction.
Enough said ! He is a man who has rugby in his heart ! pic.twitter.com/qwQ5iN0DBk
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) December 7, 2022
Earlier in the week Exeter rugby director Rob Baxter expressed his surprise at the timing of Jones’ departure as England head coach.
Exeter rugby director Baxter inspired the Chiefs’ Champions Cup win in 2020 and two Premiership title successes, compiling an impressive CV that has previously contributed to him being linked with English rugby’s top job.
“I kind of thought with the timing getting towards this second half of the season, through the Six Nations and building towards the World Cup, I was a little surprised the decision got made now.
“There were grumblings and rumblings, but there are always are when England don’t win.
“But I will admit I was surprised the decision got made now.
“I have just signed a contract extension with Exeter, so my intention is to stay here.
“If you are asking have I applied for the England job? No. If you are asking me am I one of the guys under consideration? No, I am not.”