Jones warning to England players

Fri, Apr 15, 2016, 11:00 PM
AAP
by AAP

Some members of England's grand slam-winning team are under-performing for their clubs and could miss this year's tour of Australia, coach Eddie Jones said on Friday.

England won the Six Nations grand slam last month for the first time since 2003 after Jones took over from Stuart Lancaster following the team's disappointing World Cup last year.

"Personally I've been disappointed in three or four players who have gone back (to their clubs) and played quite poorly," Jones told the BBC.

"Those players have put their tour place to Australia in jeopardy."

Jones believes complacency could have caused the dip in form.

"Some might have little injuries, and some of them have agents or the media in their ear telling them how good they are," the Australian added.

"They have just got too far ahead of themselves."

Jones stressed the need for the team to keep improving if they are to consistently challenge the southern hemisphere powers.

"We should be happy, but we have also got to be quite aware that we have got to keep improving," Jones said.

"Some of the players have been told directly, some of them have been told through other sources. But they will get the message."

Jones also said former South Sydney and Brisbane forward Ben Te'o could make the tour squad after agreeing to join Worcester next season from Irish club Leinster.

"If he is eligible then he is definitely in contention because he's a good player," Jones said. "He can carry through the line, he can pass, he's a good defender."

England play three Tests against Australia starting in Brisbane on June 11.

Share
Force reinforce Super W squad with experienced duo Sturmey & Hotene
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has stressed the importance of avoiding the same mistakes as 2003 as he looks to set the game up for the future. Photo: Getty Images
'Pivotal shift': Rugby Australia pushing for sustained profitability after record surplus
Wright eager to push Brumbies to higher levels after successful return
Brumbies Named for ANZAC Day Encounter with Hurricanes
Brumbies named for ANZAC Day encounter with Hurricanes