Eddie Jones breaks silence over bombshell Wallabies exit reports
The Wallabies boss has consistently denied reports he's set to take over as Japan's head coach.
Eddie Jones has broken his silence after fresh reports out of Japan that he's set to quit his Wallabies post to take up the head coaching role with the Brave Blossoms. Japan sports website Sponichi reported Jones was still the leading candidate to take over from Jamie Joseph, who stepped down following Japan's early exit from the Rugby World Cup in France.
Jones has previously refuted reports that he interviewed for the Japan job before Australia's disastrous World Cup campaign that saw the Wallabies fail to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in history. The under-fire Wallabies coach has now landed back in Sydney and insists he is "committed to Australia" after speaking briefly with media at the airport.
'NOT USED TO IT': Wallabies assistant turns on team after embarrassing history
AWFUL: Sonny Bill Williams responds after shocking World Cup tragedy
'GET HIM IN': Nathan Cleary in wild calls for switch to rugby union
The veteran coach - who was sacked as England boss before taking up a five-year deal to replace Dave Rennie as Wallabies coach - told reporters on Friday he would go into more detail about future with the Wallabies at a press conference on Monday. “Meeting with Rugby (Australia). I will speak to the media on Monday but I am committed to Australia,” he told reporters at Sydney airport.
Jones again stressed that he'd had "no discussions" with Japan officials about taking over as head coach and insisted that he "can't control" reports about him from external sources. Multiple Japanese news outlets, as well as the London Telegraph, have reported that Jones is on the verge of replacing Joseph as Japan's head coach.
The Sponichi report stated: “This spring, Masato Tsuchida, president of the Japan RFU, with whom he has had a honeymoon relationship since his days at Suntory, contacted him (Jones). Contract negotiations have been held privately behind the scenes and preparations are under way for his first return since the 2015 World Cup, at which he led them to a historic three wins.”
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said during the current World Cup tournament that Jones had denied taking part in any such discussions with Japan. Jones also took aim at the media after being questioned about the reports during the Wallabies' ill-fated campaign in France.
Eddie Jones has fond memories in charge of Japan
Jones famously 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. His role at the Wallabies has come under intense scrutiny after Australia's disappointing showing at the World Cup in France, with the reported links to Japan leaving many Australian rugby fans even more disillusioned.
The Japan Rugby Football Union says thorough knowledge of the country and extensive connections with overseas countries will be the key factors in selecting a new coach - two areas where Jones has strong credentials. "We will make a decision promptly. We need to have a system that aims to win the World Cup," Japan Rugby executive director Kensuke Iwabuchi said.
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," he insisted at the time. "Someone has a story and they are running with it. The only thing I can say is I'm committed to coaching Australia."
Rugby Australia has taken Jones at his word and is confident he will stay on to take the Wallabies to the 2027 World Cup, despite persistent rumours to the contrary. The veteran coach will form part of an extensive review into the Wallabies' disastrous campaign in France.
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
