England players talk up 'workaholic' Jones

England rugby players have hailed their "workaholic" coach Eddie Jones, the former Wallabies boss, ahead of their Six Nations campaign starting this weekend.

England team coach Eddie Jones stands on the pitch

Eddie Jones was appointed coach of England's rugby national team in November 2015. (AAP)

England rugby players have spoken of the obsessive habits of "workaholic" coach Eddie Jones ahead of the opening of their Six Nations defence this weekend.

Former Wallabies boss Jones has steered England to 22 wins in 23 matches since taking over the team in late 2015 - with the only defeat coming against Ireland in last year's Six Nations when they already had the championship wrapped up.

Jones was said to have mellowed in his ways after suffering a stroke five years ago, which left him temporarily paralysed on one side of his body and changed his perspective on life.

But in a series of interviews with the BBC, England players have painted a picture of an intense rugby fanatic who is utterly relentless in his pursuit of improvement, works around the clock and often sews doubt into the minds of those around him to keep them on edge - even when he is not around.

"If you're not working hard enough, you'll get a good kicking," centre Jonathan Joseph said.

"He calls and texts. When I see his name come up on my phone, I hope it's a good message.

"Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.

"He could be watching you in your club game, and after 72 minutes he'll spot you doing something he likes or dislikes, and he'll text you there and then.

"You'll come into the changing room and see when he's texted you, and know that he's definitely been watching.

"He's pretty invincible. He lives and breathes rugby, and he knows exactly what he wants from his team and his individual players.

"He knows every single bit. And he loves it."

Jones has steered England to five consecutive wins over Australia and has relished in prevailing in his ongoing mental battle with his ex-Randwick teammate Michael Cheika.

England are second-favourites to win the 2019 World Cup - only behind New Zealand, who they are due to meet for the first time during Jones's reign later this year.

They open their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on Monday morning.


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Source: AAP



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