Eddie Jones is like Brian Clough and great for rugby - Edwards

England head coach Eddie Jones has similar characteristics to the legendary Brian Clough and is good for rugby, says Wales’ defence coach Shaun Edwards.

Jones has yet to be beaten as England coach, with the team on a record 15-match winning run, but his no-nonsense approach and outspoken attitude has seen him earn plenty of enemies along the way.

Earlier this week, Jones risked stoking the fire of the rivalry with Wales ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations clash by questioning why England’s record in Cardiff is so poor.

But Edwards believes Jones is merely challenging his players and says the game needs more characters like the Australian, who he likened to former Nottingham Forest boss Clough.

“I think that’s just another way of Eddie throwing down a challenge to his players,” Edwards said.

“It’s smart coaching. He’s a clever bloke is Eddie. It’s great for the game. You want characters in the game.

“You’ve seen it in the past with football managers like Brian Clough, people like that. They were a bit outspoken weren’t they?

“It’s good for the game and good for you guys as well.”

Jones, with tongue firmly in cheek, also stated that Wales fans can throw daffodils at England’s players should they wish to do so at the Principality Stadium.

But Edwards quipped: “Are there daffodils around this time of year? I don’t know. It feels a bit cold for daffodils!”