"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"; a public announcement will be made in midweek, revealing whether Jones is to continue until the World Cup when his eight-year reign is contracted to end
Friday 2 December 2022 13:54, UK
Eddie Jones has hit back at "sad" critic Sir Clive Woodward and insisted he will leave England "in good shape" when he eventually departs.
Jones is under pressure after he watched his side conclude a dismal Autumn Nations series with a 27-13 loss to South Africa, who were without their European-based players but still inflicted a sixth defeat of 2022 on their hosts at Twickenham.
It completed the nation's worst year since 2008 and the Rugby Football Union is conducting a review which is set to conclude on Tuesday, which will inevitably decide if Jones continues until next year's World Cup.
The inquest had been scheduled to take two weeks, but it is understood Jones' final meeting with the review panel will be held on Monday with the RFU's board convening the following day to ratify its decision.
A public announcement will be made in midweek, revealing whether the Australian is to continue until the World Cup when his eight-year reign is contracted to end or if the RFU is to appoint an alternative.
RFU chief Bill Sweeney admitted "results are not where we expect them to be" and Woodward, the man in charge for England's solitary World Cup win 19 years ago, was yet again fierce in his criticism of Jones on Sunday.
He labelled rugby in England as a "shambles," insisting the weekend defeat was "one of the most depressing games I've seen at HQ".
Woodward went further on Monday, stating Jones should be sacked as England head coach if they lose their next Test vs Scotland, after the "worst week in English rugby history."
"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, who had already agreed to step down after the 2023 World Cup in France, told 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."
Jones' position has never been more precarious, with former Wales and Lions boss Warren Gatland seen as the frontrunner to replace him if the RFU does decide to act.
Gatland is in demand, however, as Wales weigh up the future of their own head coach Wayne Pivac.
England were booed off at Twickenham after defeat to the Springboks, which meant their record for 2022 finished at five wins, one draw and six losses.
Scotland, Ireland, France, Australia, Argentina and South Africa have all beaten the World Cup runners-up during the past 12 months but Jones believes they can still be a force at next year's tournament.
Currently the fifth favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, England will avoid the frontrunners until the semi-final stage with one of Australia, Wales or Fiji a probable last-eight opponent in France.
Jones added: "If this was the Cheltenham Gold Cup, 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.
"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."
