Eddie Jones is only thinking about his role as Barbarians coach this week after refusing to talk about his future as England mentor.
The Australian will be in charge of the famous rugby union invitational side for the first time on Saturday when they do battle with Fiji at Twickenham.
It will take place only two weeks after Jones’ England lost to South Africa in the World Cup final in Japan.
Former Wallabies coach Jones’ contract with the English Rugby Football Union is only until 2021, but earlier this month RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney admitted it “makes sense” for the 59-year-old to continue until the World Cup 2023 in France.
“The only thing I’ve been worried about this week is coaching the Barbarians. It’s a highly enjoyable experience and it’s a great honour,” Jones said on Wednesday.
“There is nothing to think about. It is done and dusted. I can’t do anything about what’s happened. The only thing I can do is what I do next.
“The next thing I’m going to do is make sure this Barbarians’ side play some great rugby, so that’s the only thing I’m worried about. All that stuff is for you guys, you love it.”
Six Australians will get the chance to play under Jones for the clash with Fiji.
Brumbies duo Pete Samu and Joe Powell have been selected alongside Melbourne Rebels quartet Angus Cottrell, Billy Meakes, Luke Jones and Matt Philip.
They will line-up alongside World Cup winners Tendai Mtawarira and Makazole Mapimpi, while former Ireland captain Rory Best will skipper the side and make one final appearance before retiring.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
England or may I be a dash cynical, The Pound.
Crash Ball2
Roar Rookie
Good question. Perhaps coming up one short in 2019 might fuel the fire for another 4-year run with a quality side, boasting young bones and scary potential. Regardless, not so long ago (post his impressive, record-breaking honeymoon period), EJ was firmly in the crosshairs of Fleet Street, the RFU hierarchy and most Englishmen on the street. The magnitude of his subsequent redemption is phenomenal. Quality coach. Walks the talk.
MMaaxx
Roar Rookie
Eddie’s going nowhere Too much money in England and they will be entering into a dominant cycle now. Ireland, Wales are going through a transition and will have a tough couple of years I think. Might go back to France being their main rival. Interesting and smart move by them getting Edwards for defense coach. Even so I predict 3 6N wins in a row for England. Young team will only get better
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
From what I’ve read, the RFU wants Eddie until 2023. But does Eddie want England?
Crash Ball2
Roar Rookie
I was under the impression Jones was supposed to be moving into coach mentoring role for the new England head coach post-RWC to allow for a seamless mid-cycle transition. Has that talk dried up (or is my understanding simply incorrect)? No discussion of the next England coach – is the RFU plan now just to try to lock in EJ until the 2023 RWC?
Cynical Play
Guest
Televised? I’m withdrawing real bad !!