Eddie Jones returns as head coach of Australia on a five-year deal, 18 years after he last held the post, and a little over a month after his sacking as England head coach; Dave Rennie departs the role to make way; Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the move
Last Updated: 15/01/23 11:08pm
Eddie Jones has been hired to the position of head coach by Rugby Australia, on a five-year deal
Rugby Australia have appointed Eddie Jones to the position of head coach on a five-year deal, a little over a month after his England sacking, with Dave Rennie departing the role to make way for him.
Jones was dismissed from his position at the RFU on December 6 after seven years in charge, and returns to the Australia set-up nearly 18 years after departing.
“It is a major coup for Australian Rugby to have the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and to oversee the Wallaroos program,” Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed.
Dave Rennie has been sacked to allow for Jones to take over
“Eddie’s deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level.
England sack Jones nine months out from Rugby World Cup
“Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby – this represents an opportunity to secure a coach of immense expertise and experience at the biggest competitions, and we did not want to miss it.”
England and Australia could meet each at the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup in France, which begins in just eight months time.
Wallabies head coach between 2001 and 2005, Jones led Australia to the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where they lost to England, and also secured the 2001 Tri-Nations title.
In addition to his previous roles as head coach of England and Australia, Jones was Japan head coach between 2012 and 2015, and was a technical advisor with South Africa in their victorious 2007 World Cup campaign.
