Jones hits back at scathing Clive Woodward comments

Under-fire England boss Eddie Jones has hit back at some criticism levelled at him by World Cup-winning former England coach, Sir Clive Woodward.

In the wake of England’s convincing defeat to the Springboks at Twickenham last weekend, Woodward lashed out at Jones’ methods, saying English rugby is in a “total shambles” after "one of the most depressing games I've seen at HQ".

However, Jones, never being one to shy away from a bout of verbal jousting, responded to Woodward’s utterances with the following:

"I feel sad for him (Woodward). If that is the best thing he has to do in his life, then he hasn't a lot to do,” Jones said, speaking to Men’s Health UK.

"I'm 62 now and I think in pure coaching terms I am coaching better than I ever have. Results aren't always perfect, but I'm happy with how I have been coaching.

"After this, I want to do something really meaningful. I've enjoyed England a lot, it was a bit of a rescue job at the start, now rebuilding, and I am confident I will leave things in good shape."

Despite an Autumn of poor results, Jones still appears optimistic regarding next year’s World Cup.

"If this was the Cheltenham Gold Cup (horse race), there's a pack of four out front -- France, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand -- and we are fifth, right behind them, right on the rails," said Jones.

"A good position, provided we keep improving. Australia are there or thereabouts with us. It's going to be the closest World Cup ever. France and Ireland are the in-form teams right now, but things will change."