Eddie Jones, the Australian coach who plotted the sensational Rugby World Cup triumph by Japan over South Africa, will guide the Stormers Super Rugby side next season.
In the greatest triumph of his career, no-hopers Japan scored with the last move of the game to defeat twice champions South Africa 34-32 on Saturday and create the biggest upset in World Cup history.
The announcement by Stormers officials in Cape Town on Monday ended weeks of media speculation linking the 55-year-old with the Cape Town outfit.
Tasmania-born Jones will quit the Brave Blossoms after the 2015 World Cup to succeed Allister Coetzee who has moved to Japan.
Stormers won the South African conference this year only to make a meek quarter-finals exit at home against the ACT Brumbies.
“We promised to deliver the best and in Eddie Jones I am more than satisfied that we have appointed the best coach,” Stormers official Thelo Wakefield said.
“Eddie is no stranger to South African rugby and we look forward to making him feel welcome and ensuring that he brings more silverware to Newlands.”
Jones said “I’m a coach that enjoys a challenge and I see this job as a huge challenge, but one that excites me tremendously”.
“Working with the Springboks in 2007 gave me a brief taste of what Stormers and Western Cape rugby is all about,” he said in a statement.
“I am well aware of the responsibilities that come with this job – one of the biggest franchise jobs in world rugby.
“But I am also excited about the talent available in the Stormers squad and the potential.”
Stormers rugby director and former Springbok loose forward Gert Smal said Jones will arrive in Cape Town once his 2015 World Cup commitments are finished.
“We will get Eddie here as soon as possible after the Rugby World Cup so he can get started with his 2016 season preparations.”
Jones was a highly-praised advisor to Springboks coach Jake White when they won the 2007 World Cup in France.
He steered Australia to the 2003 World Cup final, which they lost at home to England, and the Brumbies to the 2001 Super Rugby final.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
So it sounds like the Stormers issued a press release, containing quotes from Jones. The report says "Cape Town" as the location. I doubt Eddie darted off after the weekend's game. The Stormers have announced it. Has Jones called a press conference to discuss the matter?
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
I believe so Harry and I trust this most excellent envoy of rugby succeeds mightily. He has spent ten of the last twenty years in his mother's home country and I was delighted for him with that fabulous success on the weekend. Cape Town is a quite different task and there is no doubt it will be fully thought through with Eddie on the job.
Old Bugger
Guest
Is there another chapter to this saga?? He forgoes no greater challenge than coaching the home team in RWC 2019. So why does he expect this Stormers challenge to be a huge undertaking and yet, he concedes he is excited about the talent available in the squad - with more players who rightly or wrongly perhaps, should be in the UK, right now. Is there an assistant's position on offer with the SBs again?? Only time will tell so if the Stormers improve their lot, then how long will it take for the SBs, to come knocking, at Eddie's door??
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
Yes Ethan. Maybe now the Stormers could beat the Sprinboks?
Suzy Poison
Guest
Jones commented: “I am a coach that enjoys a challenge and I see this job as a huge challenge, but one that excites me tremendously. “Having worked with the Springboks in 2007, and in the process working closely with people like Gert Smal, Allister Coetzee, Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger, it gave me a brief taste of what Stormers rugby and Western Cape rugby is all about. “I am well aware of the responsibilities that come with this job, one of the biggest franchise jobs in world rugby, but I am also excited about the talent available in the Stormers squad and the potential of this playing squad. This is a challenge I am looking forward to.” http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/WorldCup/Eddie-Jones-named-new-Stormers-coach-20150921
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He hasn't announced anything. The Stormers have.
ethan
Guest
Does this mean Stormers will play a more attacking style? The loss of Catrakillis might hurt their goalkicking, but should provide a whole lot more spark in attack if they can get the right recruit. At least everyone in SA knows what coaching feats he is capable of...
The Battered Slav
Guest
JRFU need to make him an offer he can't refuse. Seriously. Both for the sake of Japanese rugby and my Brumbies!
dru
Roar Rookie
Big move for the Stormers. Team to watch next year for sure.
Harry Jones
Expert
Excellent news.
superba
Guest
Sorry James but you are well behind the 8ball .This is old news .Japan knew beford thd RWC he was to leave after the RWC .The only matter to be resolved was if his well known negotiations with the Stormers was to end in a contract .Now we know .
John
Guest
This has been rumored for at least the past six weeks ......
James
Guest
Poor timing from Jones. Someone should be held accountable. He announces hes quitting his role in Japan just a few days before the WC and now hes announced which team he will coach. Let the team focus on the WC.