Eddie Jones in fresh links to Japan job after Wallabies' exit from Rugby World Cup
The Aussie coach is at the centre of new reports amid an uncertain future at the Wallabies.
Is this further proof Eddie Jones wants to backdoor it out of the Wallabies? Media reports from Japan indicate Jones is still very much in the frame to take over as their national coach despite his denials.
The Australian guided Japan to three victories at the 2015 World Cup, including a stunning upset win over the powerful Springboks, and remains popular among key Japanese rugby figures. Japan sports website Sponichi reported Jones was still the leading candidate to take over from Jamie Joseph, who stepped down following the Brave Blossoms' early exit from the World Cup in France.
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In its lead story, which featured a picture of Jones, it wrote: "Current Australian national team coach Eddie Jones is expected to return as the successor to Joseph. This spring, Masato Tsuchida, president of the Japan Association, with whom he has had a honeymoon relationship since his days at Suntory, contacted him. Contract negotiations have been held privately behind the scenes, and preparations are underway for (his) return (for the first time) since the 2015 World Cup, which led them to a historic three wins."
Sponichi did qualify its comments by pointing out Australia's poor showing at the World Cup may have dampened enthusiasm for Jones. "The Australian team at this tournament is at a historic low, and there are growing voices questioning Jones' ability," the report continued.
"Last month, it was reported that he had an online meeting with the (Japan Rugby Football Union) before the tournament, which sparked criticism. He denies this, and the Australian Association (Rugby Australia) has also issued a statement supporting his continued participation until the 2027 (World Cup), raising the possibility that a return to Japan may be a deal-breaker."
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Kensuke Iwabuchi, executive director of the Japan Rugby Football Union, said thorough knowledge of Japan and extensive connections with overseas countries were key factors in the selection process. "We will make a decision promptly. We need to have a system that aims to win the World Cup," he declared.
Jones denied reports he was interviewed for the Japan job on the eve of the World Cup, saying he was "100 per cent committed to the (Australian) job". "I haven't applied for a job for a long time. Someone has a story and they are running with it," he said. "The only thing I can say is I'm committed to coach Australia."
Rugby Australia has taken Jones at his word and is confident he will stay despite persistent rumours to the contrary. The veteran coach is due back in Australia on Wednesday and will be part of an extensive review into the Wallabies' disastrous World Cup campaign.
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