Ex-England rugby coach mocked Prince Harry over climate change 'hypocrisy'

07 March 2024 , 22:28

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Prince Harry speaks with then-England coach Eddie Jones in his role as Patron of the Rugby Football Union (Image: Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Former England rugby coach Eddie Jones savagely mocked Prince Harry's climate change stance, highlighting what he believed to be the hypocrisy of the royal's position.

The Australian took no prisoners during his time in charge at Twickenham and the 39-year-old, who was patron of the RFU from 2016 until 2021 as he was eventually replaced by the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, was not spared. During one of Harry's visits to England training, Jones was sure to put him on the spot asking: "How's climate change going mate? How was Elton John's jet?"

Harry and wife Meghan Markle have been vocal advocates for raising awareness of climate change and have previously urged world leaders to take action to reduce its impact. Their use of private jets has seen them labelled hypocrites, however.

Jones' comment came after the married couple had utilised a private jet owned by Elton John to visit the musician in Nice. John had defended his guests and noted that the method of travel was required to offer a 'high level of much-needed protection'.

Jones, who led England from 2015 until 2022, provided some laughs for his squad on one visit from Harry with his scything observation. England's most-capped star Ben Youngs recalled the incident when speaking on the For the Love of Rugby podcast with Leicester Tigers prop Dan Cole.

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Safe to say the 34-year-old enjoyed Jones' interjection as Prince Harry talked to the squad. He said: "You know Prince Harry used to come in a little bit and watch us train? I don't know what we call him now. All of his titles have gone haven't they?

"There was one time he was standing there and was saying something to the group and then Eddie was like, 'how's climate change going mate? How was Elton John's jet?' That was quite good."

Ben Youngs in action against Scotland

The memory sparked the former England teammates into laughter as Youngs realised what he had done with the revelation. He added: "Just thrown Eddie under the bus there. And Prince Harry."

Youngs and Cole both retired following England's third place finish at the World Cup in France. The duo were joined in hanging up their boots on the international stage by Danny Care, Jonny May, Joe Marler and Courtney Lawes.

Jones has taken charge of Australia and Japan since departing Twickenham. The fiery coach resigned from the Wallabies following their first-round exit in the World Cup amid reports he interviewed for a role with Japan while preparing for the World Cup.

Scott Trotter