EDDIE’S MISERY

England coach lands himself in race turmoil

EDDIE JONES found himself caught up in fresh controversy yesterday after making a bizarre, race-related outburst.

England’s head coach was forced to apologise to a reporter for saying ‘maybe all half-Asian people look the same to you’. His remark came after he had been asked about meditating — which he previously claimed to do daily to help cope with the demands of a high-pressure role.

Jones fronted a press conference in the build-up to England’s Six Nations encounter with Ireland at Twickenham on Sunday and in light of the sudden death of television presenter Caroline Flack, he faced a question about the measures taken to help protect England players’ mental health.

Next, Jones was asked if he still meditates — having once suggested that he takes such steps to preserve his own mental wellbeing.

Smiling, he replied: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever spoken about meditation. You must be thinking about someone else — maybe another half-Asian person. Maybe we all look the same. Jones, whose mother is Japanese-American, learned that his

comments had caused shock and incredulity. ‘Having become aware that it may have come across as an accusation of racism, he swiftly met the reporter and said sorry for any offence or misunderstanding. Soon after that, an RFU spokesman said: ‘Eddie made an off-the-cuff comment which was not intended to cause any offence. He has subsequently spoken to the journalist privately, explaining this and apologised, which was accepted.’ Jones was criticised earlier this month for warning France to expect ‘brutality’ in the Six Nations opener, which they then lost 24-17.