The trial of former Wallabies coach Alan Jones has begun in Sydney, with the 85-year-old facing 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching. Jones, who coached Australia between 1984 and 1988 before moving into broadcasting, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The charges include 20 indecent assault and two sexual touching offences. Six complainants, all younger men, allege the assaults occurred between 2003 and 2020. After his first appearance in court in December 2024, Jones told reporters: “These allegations are either baseless or distort the truth. I have never indecently assaulted these people. The law assumes I am not guilty, and I am not guilty. I am emphatic that I'll be defending every charge.”
The trial at Downing Centre local court is expected to run for four months and hear from 76 witnesses, according to The Guardian.
Alan Jones: From Wallabies to airwaves
A former teacher, Jones was in charge of the Wallabies for 102 matches, winning 86 of them, including 23 victories in 30 Tests. He led Australia to their first Bledisloe Cup win in New Zealand for nearly 40 years and was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to rugby in 1988.
After coaching, Jones became one of the most influential figures in Australian broadcasting. He hosted the popular breakfast show on 2GB from 2002 until his retirement in 2020. He also worked in musical theatre and as a speech writer for former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
Quade Cooper eyes remarkable World Cup return
Legendary Australia playmaker Quade Cooper has declared he would be interested in representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 38-year-old, currently a coach at Japanese side Kintetsu Liners, insists he has not retired from playing.
“The thing is I never retired,” he told Australian press this weekend. “I just had other opportunities that presented themselves and at the time when I was deciding do I want to keep playing, I was very mentally tired.”
Cooper won 80 Test caps over 15 years and played at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. His last Test appearance to date came in 2023. With the next tournament to be held in Australia and Cooper turning 39 next April, he remains keen to be involved.
“Am I interested?” he added. “I mean, who wouldn’t be, it’s a home World Cup and I still know I can play. So, of course, I’m interested, along with every other ex-player and every other up-and-coming young guy. I’m sure that everybody wants a piece of it in some way.”
Tommy Freeman set to become top-paid wing
England wing Tommy Freeman is reportedly set to become the highest-paid wing in the Gallagher Premiership after signing a new deal with Northampton Saints. RugbyPass reports Freeman will remain at Franklin’s Gardens on a lucrative contract.
Freeman has been among the leading wings in the Northern Hemisphere after scoring 11 tries in 30 Tests for England. The 25-year-old also starred in the British & Irish Lions’ series win over Australia, helping the tourists to a 2-1 victory.
