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Wallabies coach Eddie Jones interviewed for the vacant job as head coach of Japan in the weeks before the World Cup began, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Jones was asked about the rumours last week and called them “bullshit and gossip” but refused to commit to Australia beyond the tournament when asked in the lead up to Monday’s (AEST) game against Wales in Lyon.
A loss will see Australia all but certainly eliminated from the pool stages for the first time in World Cup history.
The Herald reports that Jones interviewed for the Japan head coach role over Zoom on August 25.
That was two days ahead of their final World Cup warm-up and two weeks ahead of their first pool match against Georgia. It was eight days after his Sydney airport rant at reporters for their “negativity”.
When the interview took place, Jones as winless as Wallabies coach – having lost his first four games in charge. He now has a 1-6 record and they are on the verge of a World Cup exit.
“It is pretty poor form,” former Wallaby Mat Rogers, who played under Jones at the 2003 World Cup, told Wide World of Sports.
“Coaching is a cut throat world but I certainly don’t agree with him doing that before the World Cup. It’s not ideal news to break less than 24 hours out from probably the most important match in Australian Rugby World Cup history.”
Former Wallabies assistant Laurie Fisher summed up the feelings of many when he tweeted this:
Jones this week continued to defend his erratic and controversial selections as being crucial for the future health of the Wallabies.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan told News Corp this week that RA was committed to Jones long term.
“I want him to be there for the full term. He has an incredible work ethic and a great rugby brain. You’ve got to back him and he knows Australia and where we need to change. He’s only been with us for nine months,” McLennan said.
“We absolutely do believe that and you have to afford Eddie the same liberties that we gave Dave [Rennie], who was there for three years. And whilst we’re disappointed in the result, I think we’ve been very clear that this is a young side that we need to build for the future. Steve Hansen said to me last week, some parts of the high performance program are 15 years behind the All Blacks.”
Eddie Jones. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
The Herald reported quoted RA CEO Phil Waugh as saying: “I take people at their word and Eddie’s said there’s nothing in it. So, as far as I’m concerned, that’s the end of the story and everyone’s focus is on this weekend’s crucial game against Wales.”
In June Jones made in a podcast suggesting he wouldn’t be staying for his full contract.
“I’m only coaching ’til this World Cup,” Jones told Lawrence Dallaglio’s podcast. “I’ve signed [until the end of 2027], but as I’ve made the mistake before, I’ve stayed too long. So, we win the World Cup, it will be time to go. If we lose the World Cup, it will be time to go.”
Australian rugby fans were in uproar over the Herald report.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.