Wallabies fan who labelled Eddie Jones a 'traitor' in telling response to exit

The fan who labelled Eddie Jones a traitor in a fiery exchange at the SCG last year has resisted the temptation to deliver a loud 'I told you so' following the Australian coach's abrupt exit just ten months into his return. The supporter made headlines around the rugby world when, with beer in hand, he leaned over the fence in the SCG members' area and sprayed Jones following England's 21-17 win over the Wallabies in July last year.

As Jones, who was in his final year as England coach, left the ground following the game, the fan shouted out: "You're a traitor". An irate Jones broke free of his security entourage and approached the supporter, yelling: "What did you say? What did you say? Come here and say it. Come here and say it. Come here and say it."

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Jones later told the Sydney Morning Herald: "Clowns think they have full go to abuse coaches. Just being abused from go to whoa." Rugby Australia's chairman Hamish McLennan added: "That fan’s behaviour is totally unacceptable and is not welcome at a Wallabies Test if he carries on like that.

"We should be acknowledging Eddie’s achievements as a great Aussie export. There's too much tall poppy syndrome in that comment."

The fan reportedly apologised to Jones via email in the days after the incident, but much has changed since that night.

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Jones was appointed Australian coach for the second time six months after that match – a position he held for just 10 months before quitting on Sunday night following the Wallabies' disastrous World Cup campaign.

It comes on the back of heavy speculation linking the 63-year-old to the vacant Japanese head coaching role. Jones has denied interviewing for the job on the eve of the World Cup and maintains he is not seeking the role despite travelling to Japan for a holiday next month.

But the fact he has walked out on the Wallabies after such a short time, exercising get-out clauses in his contract after urging fans to get on the bus, has left a bad taste in supporters' mouths. The fan who labelled Jones a traitor could be vindicated if the Japan rumours are confirmed, even if the way he delivered his spray can't be condoned.

But he still opted against taking a free kick. Through a mutual contact, he thanked Yahoo Sport Australia for its interest in his response to Jones's departure but declined to comment further due to restrictions set out by his workplace.

Much like Jones when he looks back on his second stint as Wallabies boss, the fan would prefer it never happened.

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