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England head coach Eddie Jones apologises for Ireland and Wales slurs

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England head coach Eddie Jones has apologised for comments he made last summer about Ireland and Wales

England head coach Eddie Jones has apologised for derogatory comments he made about Ireland and Wales.

Footage emerged of Jones, during a talk last July, referring to Ireland as the "scummy Irish" and Wales as a "little s*** place".

The video shows Jones speaking about leadership for Fuso, the Japanese parent company of England sponsors Mitsubishi.

Eddie Jones during the NatWest Six Nations match between France and England at Stade de France on March 10, 2018 in Paris, France.
Image: Jones says he's "very sorry" for his comments and that his choice of words were inexcusable

It was uploaded by Fuso to YouTube in July last year but has only come to light before Saturday's final round of the 2018 Six Nations when England will face Ireland at Twickenham.

Jones apologised for his comments on Wednesday evening and admitted his choice of words were inexcusable, saying he was "very sorry". The Rugby Football Union said it would apologise to the Irish and Welsh unions.

In the talk, Jones told an audience: "We've played 23 Tests and have only lost one Test to the scummy Irish. I'm still dirty about that game. But we will get that back!

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Will Greenwood offers his opinion on Eddie Jones' derogatory comments

"We will get that back, don't worry, we have them next year at home, we will get 'em back!"

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Earlier in the talk, Jones discussed Japan Under-20s losing to their Welsh counterparts 125-0 shortly after he took over as Brave Blossoms head coach in 2012.

"Wales. Who knows Wales? Are there any Welsh people here? So it's this little s*** place that has got three million people. Three million!" he said.

In his apology, released by the Rugby Football Union, Jones said: "I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused - no excuses and I shouldn't have said what I did. I'm very sorry."

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An RFU spokeswoman said: "Eddie has apologised for his inappropriate remarks, and the RFU is also very sorry for any offence caused and will apologise to the IRFU and WRU."

England ceded the Six Nations title they have held for the past two years with a round to spare after losing 22-16 to France in Paris last Saturday. They could finish as low as fifth if they lose to Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.

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