PARIS – Rugby Australia bosses remain under the assumption Wallabies coach Eddie Jones is committed and faithful to leading the nation forward despite the veteran rugby figure being linked to taking over from outgoing Brave Blossoms coach, Jamie Joseph.
More reports emerged in Japan over the past 48 hours that Jones, 63, is the top candidate to take over from Joseph and return to the post he last held in 2015.
It comes after The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Jones had interviewed with the Japan Rugby Football Union on the eve of the World Cup getting underway.
Jones has categorically denied the report, which surfaced less than 24 hours out from the Wallabies’ heavy 40-6 loss to Wales.
“I am 100 per cent committed to the job and I’ve said that previously,” Jones told reporters in France.
He later added: “I haven’t applied for a job for a long time. Someone has a story and they are running with it.
“The only thing I can say is I’m committed to coach Australia. And there’s the other side of the coin that Australian Rugby who make the decision after this World Cup, whether they want to keep me or not, and that’s up to them.
“Whatever goes on, I’ve come back to help Australian rugby. So if I become an issue, then I’ll have to go. I’m pretty even-tempered about it.
Eddie Jones continues to be linked to taking over Jamie Joseph at Japan. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Rugby Australia chief-executive Phil Waugh has routinely said he has taken Jones’ word that he has not spoken to the JRFU about replacing Joseph.
“I’ve taken Eddie for what he said and the fact that he’s denied it,” Waugh told reporters in Lyon ahead of the loss to Wales.
“I take people for their word and that’s what I’ve been told, and so we move forward.
“I’m certainly not going to get into the game of speculating who’s having conversations with who.”
As recently as Tuesday, RA officials were in contact with Jones’ agent, Craig Livingstone, to address the recent reports surfacing out of Japan.
Once again, Jones’ camp has denied any link to the role and say he is committed to coaching the Wallabies through until the 2027 home World Cup.
Even before signing a five-year deal with RA in January, Jones was understood to have had a long-standing offer with the JFRU to return whenever he wants.
The former Brave Blossoms coach, who oversaw their upset win over the Springboks in 2015 before leaving his post following the World Cup in the United Kingdom, has a close relationship with new president Masato Tsuchida.
Their relationship dates back years from their time spent together with Suntory, the Japanese powerhouse club Jones still acts as an advisor for.
It’s understood Jones will return to Australia on Wednesday, with RA to commence their review next month.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan and chief executive Phil Waugh continue to act under the belief Eddie Jones will coach the Wallabies in 2024. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)
Waugh told reporters last week RA was “committed” to Jones coaching the Wallabies going forward despite the veteran coach overseeing their worst result at the World Cup. Their World Cup pool exit was confirmed on Monday AEDT.
Last week, Jones once again said their World Cup flop left him “vulnerable” if the governing body wanted to move in a different direction.
“I have signed a five-year contract,” Jones told the Daily Mail.
“Like any job, coaches are in an employer-employee relationship, and we are in a game of winning. Whenever you’re not winning, the coach is vulnerable, so I am vulnerable. Does that cause extra noise? It probably does. There’s been this noise about Japan, but nothing has happened. So that’s just added a bit more noise to it.
“I came into this job with the approach that it was going to be a long-term job, but Rugby Australia could change. If there’s a change in the wind then things can happen, but my commitment was always long-term and there’s no reason why that won’t happen.”
Jones will return to the northern hemisphere later this month, with the Wallabies coach to oversee the Barbarians’ match against Wales on November 4.
He will link up with All Blacks coach-in-waiting Scott Robertson for the exhibition match, which will act as Alun Wyn Jones’ swan-song for Wales after retiring from international rugby ahead of the World Cup.
Joseph wouldn’t be bought on Jones’ mooted return on Sunday, but said his successor needed to be able to bring together the team and be a “good guitar player” – a reference some have thought is a subtle message of support behind new Kobe director of rugby Dave Rennie, who was axed in January to allow for Jones’ return.
“What I will say is that my coaching team are highly experienced and very capable, and the one thing I’ll say is coaching in Japan isn’t the same as coaching in New Zealand or Australia or England, there’s a cultural aspect that you need to be aware of,” Joseph said following Japan’s 39-27 loss to Argentina, which meant they missed the knockout stages.
“Players think differently, and the game of rugby is consistent but the players coming in, particularly from our team, I think there’s about eight or nine different cultures in terms of where they’re coming from, so the coach has got to be a good guitar player.”
KTinHK
Roar Pro
Indeed, it's the most likely explanation. And there's nothing wrong with that. But the rabid dogs on this site and knee jerk reaction protagonists have worked themselves into a lather over it as usual.
Don M
Roar Rookie
Well put.
JimBob
Roar Rookie
No single coach or individual is Don, but Jones is off to Japan so a replacement will be required. Friend is excellent at nurturing players and assistant coaches, brilliant with the media and is used to working with limited resources and player base. He is also an Australian who was brought through the old AIS and rugby collaboration system. He is the right man for right now.
Hughi
Roar Rookie
Tom Decent delayed the story for several days while the sources were checked. When it was confirmed as a reliable story it was released. Timing I don’t think played a part. Tim Horan also checked with his sources and confirmed the same but that was after Wales. Think Eddie was killing time before he goes to Japan. Anyway, time for a rebuild. I watched Stan one of their programs Horan filled in those details. Horan seems to be an up front guy and they can really stuff up their credibility if they come out with this stuff. Sonny Bill has had the bit between his teeth regarding this and getting Eddie to clear it up.
Virgil
Roar Rookie
You are right.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
The view from Marinos would be interesting.
QED
Roar Rookie
M, If you haven’t seen it, you should watch the “Chasing the Sun” documentary. What Rassie was able to do went far beyond just being a great coach. Which I think he is. He did not shy away from confronting the deeply destabilising directive of “transformation”. Including having to ‘evolve’ his own beliefs about where it sat on the pecking order of priority. Acting as the catalyst/leader for a change of perspective in SA should not be underestimated. Today they have a talismanic captain revered by the whole country at near deity status who is black, symbolising how far they have come from Chester William in 1995. In the next three potential games, on the field, there may be a completely black backline and at least 50% of the pack. With even the most staunch “archetypal” old-school conservative Bok supporter in full-throated support.
Morsie
Roar Rookie
Not difficult for Rassie. Huge player base without any competition (ie AFL, Loigue) and was following a ridiculous coach who had no idea. Even Eddie Jones would have made them better.
jaysper
Roar Guru
What did the Blossoms do to deserve that?
Highlander
Roar Guru
The Telegraph UK claim to have now confirmed not only his initial meeting but also a second one scheduled on Nov 5 (as noted in the Decent story) now postponed due to the AWJ match in UK The noose tightens
Jazz
Roar Rookie
Yes i would like to know as well Paulo, but you are right in what you said had no bearing on the Wales game really as the wallabies performed atrociously. However, i'm just curious on the timing overall though.
Isikeli Tuituku
Roar Rookie
BLA BLA :laughing: :silly:
Isikeli Tuituku
Roar Rookie
Eddie style suits Japan better, their most recent performances has dropped. Bring back Nucifora as Director/Coach and let him pick the Coaching team. Damn you have the means, now is the time. Sydney board room boys, be humble this is bigger than NSW.
Passit2me
Roar Rookie
Well TBH, I don’t know what they signed up for, other than what has been published.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Oh, my bad, I thought they lead the story? Sorry, should have gone to spec savers. Who did lead it? All the stories I have read, including just now, reference the SMH first? Was it in Japanese media first and then the SMH picked it up?
Paulo
Roar Rookie
That’s such a bad deal for RA if they signed up for that. Get 5yrs salary for less than a years work because you did such a poor job. I assume no gardening leave clause either so off he goes to Japan… maybe.
Cec
Roar Rookie
If Eddie is waiting to be sacked to get a payout before moving to JRU then just keep him but appoint a Director of Rugby above Ed as co-selector with one other like Lordy, have that Director also appoint the assistants and manage the media. If Ed is the “master coach” still then limit his scope to just that alone. Oh and the Director can also appoint the captain. Isn’t this how RA in part managed Chieka?
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
Haha, me too and the Chiefs. Now I understand the Yoda reference :happy:
Cec
Roar Rookie
Piru, you’re right. When the story broke and Ed was being asked about his zoom at the presser he just kept saying’ “I’m fully committed to coaching Australia…”, I don’t think he actually said “No” to speaking to Japan about the role.
wigster
Roar Rookie
Wish the players had alot of the say like it was back in the day. I used to bag noah for not being ready but he's had a break he's probly better for it now, may see him in the framework soon if new coach turns up. Noah did have some good games just mentally not ready before and if you have to hide your 1st5 out yonder can't be good. Wouldn't bring quade or foley back