Alan Jones changed the role of Wallaby coach

Sorry to Johnno and other supporters of the man, but I have never forgotten or forgiven his treatment of Mark Ella, whose captaincy of the Wallabies, regardless of his race, was exemplary. Was it racist? He would deny it but he gave the captaincy to a non-aboriginal, who in no world had 75 percent of Marks's playing skills, and indeed charm, good player as Slack was. I still have a suspicion that Jones' action in doing so hastened Marke's decision to retire about 5 years too early. I was King's Old Boy at the School's oval waiting for the !st XV, coached by Jones, to run on. As they did so I was shocked in extremis by a growing crescendo of booing by King's boys aimed at their own 1sts. Asking the year 10 brother of a friend why, I was told that the school regarded the team as "totally up itself" under Jones and that Jones had created an elite club that considered itself above the school in general. Whether in fact true or not, it did raise its head in a book about Jones some years ago. It was alleged that his treatment of one King's player ruined his school career. Certainly I had never before, nor since, heard anything like a school booing its own players before a kick had been marked. From talking to some of the players of that era since, he was considered flawed if a brilliant motivator, a man who had his favourites, but extremely cruel to those he felt had either not lived up to his expectations or had crossed him. There were those also who feared him. Not a profile I would like for a schoolmaster teaching my children I am afraid, and that is what he was employed to do.

I was a schoolboy on tour in NZ and went to all three games in 1986 and ah, the memories... I have never witnessed so many crying Kiwi's. It was beautiful. Sigh.

Johnno seems to have some knowledge of Rugby and his views are quite entertaining,.......his views on Rugby League were likewise until he said that he had never heard of the late great Ian Walsh,former Australian captain and captain of the mighty Saints etc.........creditability gone. Stick to Rugby Johnno.

Do you mean pulled in the guy that taught him rugby, or pulled off the guy that taught him rugby?

I prefer not to think about what makes Allan Jones tick. But I'll think I'll move on from this debate.

I am lost for words!??!!?

Mango Jack Alan was a school teacher at the king's school Paramatta (TKS). He was also the 1st 15 rugby coach, he left in some well rather interesting circumstances or some might, say speculation he would be sacked for various issues if you read Jonestown, it will give more views on the matter.

Any of the Wallabies who played under Brockoff revered him. Many of the players under Jones regard him as a divisive coach. Coaches all have different styles however I would say that Jones greatest contribution was that he destroyed the aura of the All Blacks. Since him Australia have regularly beaten NZ.

I am noticeably stupider for having read this article and many of these comments.

Slav, I largely agree with you. The "died of shame" slur was probably the most disgraceful public comment I've ever heard (yes, I know it was supposedly a private function, but it doesn't justify it, and he, of all people, would know that speaking to 100+ people is ultimately not private). He then compounded it with his non-apology. Anyone with a shred of humilty would have recognised they were completely out of line and offered a sincere apology, if not to Julia Gillard, for whom he has a fierce hatred unexplained by simple disagreements on policies, but at least for her grieving mother. But he's a complex man. I was once talking to Fr Chris Riley, who runs the Youth of the Streets charity for homeless kids. Thinking he would not have much time for a shock jock who likes to victimise vulnerable people, Riley surprised me by telling me how generous Jones has been in his support for YOTS. It's a shame his bitterness, narcissism and hatred overshadow his good deeds.

Johnno @ 6.27 am -no thanks,I'm currently reading Sir Ted's book,to be followed by Sir Richie's.Whie I do rate Allan Jones as a fine coach,if I was going to read any Aussie rugby coaches bio,it would be McQueen's.

Yes Johhno, you've missed a few: - Anyone who does not share the same view as the man himself. - Anyone even slightly towards the left. - Particularly women with any sort of power who are not on the conservative side of politics - Migrants from non-eurpoean backgrounds, he has had numerous findings made against him regarding this sort of stuff, you should know, if you listen to him daily I'm sure you've heard him force out an apology or two. - Anyone who opposes investment in any sort of business venture in which he has financial interests. - A whole host of others who are vilified by this hateful little man simply because they do not fit the mould of what he deems worthy. Also, funny you mention how he gets stuck into pollies taking kickbacks. That to me is hypocrisy in the extreme. Ever read much on the cash for comment affair? Probably not. Jones contributes to the sorry state of affairs we have in Australia, justifying and tacitly endorsing the views of racists and intolerant bigots who are such a blight on this country, more so than any of your so called 'tree huggers' and 'boat people'. Just spare me the whole Jonesy love in routine, it's not a good reflection on your ability to think rationally, which when it comes to rugby I quite enjoy and respect. Sorry Johnno, I just can't see past the bullshit of the Jones persona to be able to have any respect for the man.

So very well said Mr Slav. An empty talker is A. Jones. Yes he has the gab gift and yes he can motivate. He has learnt very well his spiv-craft and the emotional chords to play and there is some skill in that, granted, ignoring the motivation. He is however, a hollowman.

You can take that one up with Bob, David. I merely read that in his book, "Full Time".

like the , people who break the law, who are organising and sending all the poor and desperate boat people , the coal seam gas companies who are are destroying Australia’s waterways, people who don't do the right thing by children, people who bludge, naughty politicians who take kick backs, and tree huggers who should get a job and get this country strong again , anyone else who I have missed.

Absolutely, Slav. No question he is intelligent, and I understand he can be very generous, but the vitriolic way in which he deals with those who dare disagree with him, and the targeting of individuals and select community groups is at times trult appalling.

I have no doubt that Alan Jones is very bright, so bright that he pulled in the guy who taught him rugby at Brisbane Grammar and the one guy who he knew could turn our forwards around into a dominating pack. I didn't mean to diminish Alan Jones achievements just highlight that he had some of the best support around (something I think is lacking in recent Wallabies coaches). I would have loved t have seen Alec coach Queensland and the Wallabies.

Johnno, as somebody who claims to have read Jonestown, you yourself should be well aware that Alan Jones' CV is full of more lies than a used a car salesman. I agree he is intelligent, but he's also been proven to be a pathological liar when discussing his past, most narcissists possess these two traits (intellegence and pathological lying). Are you not ever upset by the amount of hatred he peddles to his adoring, unquestioning listeners?

Dougal you should read Alan Jones employment resume, and his university qualifications, and how he stood for politics, and how he was a speech writer to some past prime minister's, he is anything but lacking the brains. And that apply's to rugby too. He had some good tactical initiatives too. And he coached a 1st 15 rugby team undefeated the mighty TKS side of 1974, Alan turned rugby around at TKS, so he knew what he was on about in rugby union. And he was so close to a world cup final in 1987 too.

Battered Slav I love Alan very much. I listen to him every morning. He is intelligent , he gets good radio ratings. And he does talk about lots of issues, and does talk about sport a lot on his program amongst many other things. He invites entertainment groups ,and people from all walks of life. He has sportstars like Ian Thrope ,Matt Micham, Brett Lee, Lucas Neil was on yesterday, Matt Hayden, and SBW went on before his fight vs Botha 2 days before. And SBW and Alan Jones got on well. SBW called Alan sir immediately , from the start of the chat. He gets ex-wallabies like Micheal Lynagh on, who gets on well with him, so he does get on with ex-players he has coached. So I think your being harsh on Alan Jones Battered Slav, while many have that opinion, mine is different . Wayne Smith has gone on many times to talk about the state of Australian rugby. And Alan Jones has dons some wonderful things in telling people about the dangers of Coal Seam Gas, amazing the stuff he knows about it, as where Alan Jones grew up in QLD has been badly impacted by Coal Seam Gas production. So Alan is well liked by a wide cross-section in society and is intelligent as you said.