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Revealed: The role Eddie Jones played in luring Beauden Barrett to Japan

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

He’s at it again.

Fresh from humiliating the All Blacks at the World Cup, England coach Eddie Jones also played his part in snaring Japan-bound Beauden Barrett away from New Zealand rugby.

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England have allowed Jones to continue his consultancy work for Suntory Sungoliath where he is now director of rugby.

Jones came up with a fake spy story before the World Cup semifinal last year. But now he’ll get the perfect chance to check out the inner workings of an All Black star and maybe grab himself some vital intellectual property from New Zealand rugby.

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Dan Carter | Southbridge press conference

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Dan Carter | Southbridge press conference

The England coach will get close to one of the All Blacks’ best weapons and see what makes him tick when brief Blues back Barrett joins Suntory for a reported $1.5m.

Jones normally spends three weeks a year at Suntory, and stays in close contact with them the rest of the time dealing with recruitment and other matters.

Suntory is coached by Kiwi Milton Haig, who guided Georgia for two World Cup cycles until last year.

Haig jumped at the chance when Barrett’s name was mentioned, and so did Jones.

“He (Jones) has been in Tokyo for the last four months – he’s had a big involvement (in club matters) and I have regular meetings with him,” Haig told NewstalkZB‘s Elliott Smith.

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“He’s been helpful for us in terms of pre-season and the season’s planning for next year.

“We sat down six or seven months ago – in Japan they look pretty early at next season’s roster.

“Eddie Jones was obviously involved as the director of rugby. Beauden’s name came up and as soon as they said his name I said he’s the guy I want. Eddie was in favour as well.”

Meanwhile, Haig was excited to be working with Barrett, who he first spotted as a junior cutting opponents apart at the national sevens tournament.

Haig said Barrett’s commitment to a new club was proven at the Blues, when he emerged from lockdown to set team and personal best training records.

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“The season starts in mid-January and we’re expecting him here in December,” said Haig.

“He has international commitments in October and November and we’ll take stock of where he is at after that. He has a young family as well.

“He’ll drive bums on seats…but ultimately it’s about winning championships.”

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R
RedWarrior 37 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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