Former Wallabies coach 'lives 7 lives'

Extracts from an unauthorised biography of Australian broadcaster and former Wallabies rugby coach Alan Jones describe him as a man living seven separate lives, not one of them his own.

Jonestown, by journalist Chris Masters, hits the stands today.

It claims Jones played favourites with certain players while Wallabies coach, putting him offside with players and officials.

Of his many sides there is the blokey, foul-mouthed ex-football coach; the courtly charmer of older women; the farmer's/miner's/union official's/teacher's son; the thwarted prime minister; the ombudsman of Struggle Street; the Oxford orator; and the hidden homosexual, forever hunting for love among the twenty-somethings.

Team dissension led to Jones being axed as Wallabies coach in 1988. Some of those who spoke out against him, including winger David Campese, are now grateful for what Jones has done for them.

"He does things that can drive you nuts," former captain Andrew Slack said. "But at the end of the day, if his worst enemy was in strife, then Jones would help him out. That's why I stick by him."

- AAP