Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill has launched a broadside at Eddie Jones following the former Wallabies coach's decision to work with rivals South Africa ahead of the World Cup.
Jones, who is due to take up a consultancy role with Saracens later in the summer, is to link up with the Springboks for a training camp in Cape Town this week.
That decision has provoked an embittered response from O'Neill who has, in so many words, accused Jones of a lack of patriotism.
"It's not something you would expect of a former Australian coach," O'Neill told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.
"He would argue 'I'm a professional' - I would put a caveat in there that you've got to be a bit more discerning.
"In a sense, it tells you that the game has changed and coaches will take on jobs driven by motives other than loyalty and patriotism."
However, O'Neill does not believe Jones' decision should unduly worry the Wallabies who are scheduled to meet South Africa in the World Cup quarter-finals.
"I don't think it should in any way alarm the Wallabies," he added.
Jones wasted little time in hitting back and took a swipe at O'Neill who only returned to rugby this year after a spell heading up Australian Rules football.
"It's a bit like the pot calling the kettle black," Jones told the Telegraph.
Jones, who is due to take up a consultancy role with Saracens later in the summer, is to link up with the Springboks for a training camp in Cape Town this week.
That decision has provoked an embittered response from O'Neill who has, in so many words, accused Jones of a lack of patriotism.
"It's not something you would expect of a former Australian coach," O'Neill told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.
"He would argue 'I'm a professional' - I would put a caveat in there that you've got to be a bit more discerning.
"In a sense, it tells you that the game has changed and coaches will take on jobs driven by motives other than loyalty and patriotism."
However, O'Neill does not believe Jones' decision should unduly worry the Wallabies who are scheduled to meet South Africa in the World Cup quarter-finals.
"I don't think it should in any way alarm the Wallabies," he added.
Jones wasted little time in hitting back and took a swipe at O'Neill who only returned to rugby this year after a spell heading up Australian Rules football.
"It's a bit like the pot calling the kettle black," Jones told the Telegraph.
By Mark Kendall
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