Rugby star Joe Launchbury has opened up about his time playing under Eddie Jones, revealing he wasn’t always the current Japan coach’s first choice when Jones led England. Launchbury, who’s set to retire with Harlequins, shared that he didn’t entirely agree with Jones’ tough methods, which kept even seasoned players guessing about their place on the team. Nonetheless, he admits these challenges spurred him to improve and refine his game.
Under Jones, England clinched three Six Nations titles, and Launchbury was a key figure in those triumphs, earning a remarkable 70 caps by 2022. Reflecting on his career, Launchbury expressed immense pride, recalling how he earned his spot on the national team when he was relatively inexperienced with Wasps.
“I wasn’t Eddie’s cup of tea,” Launchbury frankly admitted, alluding to the tough love approach that he believes helped him become a better player. Despite contemplating his exit a few times, he remodelled his skills and showed resilience, something he appreciates in hindsight.
Launchbury recently announced his impending retirement, marking an emotional moment during a match against Sale Sharks, where he was honoured by fans and celebrated with his family. The scene was poignant, possibly signaling his final curtain call on the field. His wife shared on social media: “The last game. It was an emotional day watching Joe play one more time. We’re so proud of him and all that he’s achieved.”
The journey wasn’t easy, but Launchbury values the high-pressure environment that defined his career, saying it brought out the best in him and prevented stagnation, a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of international rugby. 🏉🇬🇧
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