Eddie Jones in fresh Wallabies fallout amid Japan coaching development

Eddie Jones might think he killed off speculation he's in line to take over as Japan's national coach, but those close to the situation are still not buying it. Japanese media outlet Sponichi, which has consistently linked Jones with the job vacated by Jamie Joseph, refused to rule the Wallabies coach out of the race despite his insistence he has had no direct contact with the country's top rugby bosses.

In revealing New Zealand assistant coach Scott McLeod was now in the mix for the Japan gig, Sponichi said Jones still remains among the top three candidates. "He (McLeod) is expected to be interviewed by the Japan (Rugby Football Union) in November, and it looks like a three-way tie with fellow finalists Eddie Jones of Australia and Frans Ludeke of Tokyo Bay," it wrote.

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"Mr. Jones, who has an outstanding track record, Mr. Ludeke, who is good at developing young players and building teams, or Mr. McLeod? The selection of the next HC (head coach) is approaching its final phase."

Reacting to the news on McLeod, experienced Japan rugby writer Rich Freeman tweeted: "Stormy days ahead? The plot thickens. Sponichi now saying former Toshiba favourite Scott McLeod will have 2nd interview with JRFU in Nov. re vacant Brave Blossoms head coach role.

"They also say Frans Ludeke in frame (he has admitted this) as is Eddie Jones, who has denied he is." Jones held a lengthy press conference in Sydney on Tuesday, batting away constant questions over his future while insisting he had not held talks with anyone from Japanese rugby.

Eddie Jones has consistently denied Japan reports

But his series of yes and no replies did little to quell doubt over his future in Australia, nor did his ambiguous response to a question over whether a third party or recruitment company had been in touch about the Japan job. "Not that I'm aware of," Jones declared.

There is also speculation Jones could be sacked by Rugby Australia following a review into the Wallabies' worst-ever World Cup campaign, freeing him to take on the Japanese role. It would position RA as having the strength to dismiss an under-performing coach while admitting it got his appointment wrong, while allowing Jones to pursue any interest from Japan.

"It's not absolutely my decision, is it?" Jones said. "We have a review going forward and we will see what happens at the end of the review."

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