There is a great deal of disappointment and anger from some at the reports that Eddie Jones may be returning to the role of head coach for the Japanese team. But at the same time, there has also been a great deal of relief at the idea that he may quit.
One thing not in dispute by many is that there is near-universal agreement that the Wallabies campaign has been a disaster and that a Dave Rennie-coached team would probably have fared better at the World Cup in France.
Let us examine what occurred and acknowledge that the morality of conducting business in the highly-scrutinised sporting world is sometimes murky – and perhaps more importantly, how hypocritical the fan reactions can be.
It was clear that the Wallabies were not performing to expected levels following the Autumn 2022 test series in Europe, but that the final Wallabies win against Wales may have saved Rennie from being sacked – momentarily.
In parallel with these events, there was growing frustration at Jones’ England team performances, which led to him being sacked by the RFU. That came in the first week of December 2022, and it did not take long for Jones to be appointed to the Wallabies role in the second week of January 2023, to much fanfare by Rugby Australia.
Eddie Jones. (Photo by Adam Pretty – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
The ‘Christmas period’ is a notoriously difficult time to conduct business, but RA managed to interview Jones, negotiate a contract and receive the agreement of the board – both in terms of recruiting Jones and also signing off on the cost of paying for the remainder of Rennie’s contract.
This brings up the matter of hypocrisy. Why is there more outrage at Jones’ interview with the Japan Rugby Football Union (or indeed JRFU’s willingness to attempt to recruit a contracted rugby coach) than with Rugby Australia’s willingness to interview Jones despite having contracted Rennie to coach the Wallabies? The answer is, we should not be outraged.
Coaches and other senior staff are approached and interviewed with regularity. Certainly, some may have different professional behaviours to others, and choose to not seek employment till the end of a contract, but headhunting agencies seeking the best possible candidates will sound out attractive candidates irrespective of their current status.
In theory, if reports are correct, Jones will resign from the Wallabies coaching position (saving Rugby Australia millions in contract payout if he does so). What will Rugby Australia then do? They will begin seeking a new coach – that is if they have not already initiated that search.
So, we have another opportunity to examine our values and how we will apply them in the near future.
On the excellent ‘Rugby World Cup Inside Line’ podcast, the hosts named Dan McKellar as a possible Wallabies head coach recruit.
How could the hosts be outraged at Jones’ behaviour, but also, in the same breath, suggest McKellar commit the same act to join the Wallabies? McKellar recently started his role as head coach of Leicester, a role he moved to after quitting his previous Wallabies role.
There were no scandalous articles about McKellar interviewing for the role, and it is now suggested McKellar would be ripe for Rugby Australia to interview him while he is contracted.
Why do we set these double standards? Given the amount of attention on Jones, perhaps we should ask why the media have one standard for Jones, and another standard for the ‘business as usual’ musical chairs of coaching changes.
The answer is that this is personal. It seems to be a battle between Eddie Jones and the media – there were flare-ups during his time coaching England, and there is even more tension with the Australian media.
Eddie Jones during the Rugby World Cup match between Australia and Portugal. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The foment from the media over Jones’ disdain laid the foundation of resentment almost immediately; the Wallabies head coach was unwilling to answer their questions and explain his selection decisions to their satisfaction.
The Darwin drama where Jones was intercepted and quizzed by a frustrated media pack was perhaps the low point before the World Cup. That is why, when the information that Jones was interviewing with JRFU came to hand, amid poor results on the field, the knives were sharpened in the media, and to the detriment of the Wallabies.
Why was the article about Jones’ interview released the morning of a critical match during the World Cup? It could have been released a day following the loss, with equal news impact. One can only conclude that it was timed to harm the Australian coach, and in doing so it was timed to harm the Wallabies’ performance.
Players stated it did not affect them, but you would expect them to say that. Jones turned his relationship with reporters into a personal and negative one – for example, the infamous “you don’t know rugby, mate”, and the blowback from those reporters has been severe.
While there has been a lot of fan reaction and anger, let us be honest, fans react, observe and debate big issues in the game, but have very little real impact on the world of International rugby machinations. It is like we are down here, and the media, coaches, and executives are up on Mount Olympus.
If you are asked by your employer whether you are interviewing for another job, your answer would be ‘no, I’m totally committed to my role and organisation’. If your boss asked a potential employer if they would interview you, they would also decline to answer. This is true in every employment sector.
Has Jones’ performance been appalling? Yes.
Has his treatment of the rugby public through his answers to journalists been unacceptable? Yes.
But it is not his fault that he is the coach of the Wallabies. That responsibility lies with the leadership and board of Rugby Australia.
That leadership will skewer Jones after he leaves, claim victory for saving millions in cutting a contract. It is not Jones we should be worried about; it is the revolving door of poor leadership and narcissistic behaviour from those who will remain that we should be examining.
cispt2
Roar Rookie
That's exactly why RA wouldn't do it. I know they have post-WC reviews, and RA will do one this time, but they are dry and inconsequential.
Xwallabies
Roar Rookie
If Jones does not quit, RU still has the power as an employer, not to sack because it will be too costly, but to give Eddie Jones different role. Eddie Jones will eventually quit because he will think he is not wanted by the organisation. RU, than should hire a coach with very specific performance obligations. Like rise rank to 5th in 1st yr, average penalty count should be no more than 12 per game, etc, and hopefully this performance obligation should filter to playing group as well.
Joe King
Roar Rookie
Yep, there’s always two sides to the story. You make fair points.
ols
Roar Pro
One statement I would argue with is you stating that RA interviewed Jones. The man himself states "I haven't interviewed for a job in years, maaate"
Stu
Roar Rookie
I really wish the players were offered the chance to speak anonymously and freely.. an entirely anonymous questionnaire filled in by every player - ten questions, with results collated and released to the public. Not one would be in Eddie’s corner I’d bet!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ How many of Jones team have had their confidence destroyed by the whole debacle?” Confidence destroyed? Yes. And test careers ended.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ He’s got a lot of self-reflection to do on that front.” He had a lot of self reflection and a budget to do it with when England terminated him. Reflection or Mad Scientist Coaching? Such was his dilemma. And we’ve paid more than money for it. McLennan and Jones were entrusted with our rugby. They disrespected that trust. The trust is gone. The uppercut guy and the Don’t Watch guy will be following trust out the door. How to rebuild Oz rugby requires attention to questions far beyond who replaces these two individuals. Before we cook a fresh meal we need to tidy the kitchen. It’s currently a very messy kitchen.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
As you wish News.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Please don't accuse me of making any sense....
Peta Smith
Roar Rookie
Well said John, Eddie’s bravado has brought this drama upon himself. He’s like the “Boy who cried Wolf”.
Guess
Roar Rookie
How can he fix the mess if he's part of that mess?
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
What is clear is that the psychological contract between employer and employee is a myth. Loyalty is overrated, and those that sacrificed family, health to meet unrealistic work demands will figure out that they are just a number later in their careers. Eddie has to make career choices as RA will not think twice to sack him if it suits them. The only security you have is in your skillset and the demand for those skills in the wider market.
Blink
Roar Rookie
You're referring to a certain H Mclennan who has a career of failing hopelessly in high profile jobs while talking the talk but taking zero responsibility. The ultimate conman. But he's earning big and spending big and would not care one iota what others think.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Eye ag ree wif wat he sed
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
The poor tackle started when Hodge skewed a clearance kick that went 15 meters midfield straight into DuPonts arms. Hodge came up to fix his mistake by tackling DuPont only to grasp air. They eventually spun the ball wide and Wright missed his tackle on Penaud , meaning that Jock Campbell had to turn and chase Penaud down . Which he did, only to receive the best fend from probably the best Winger, if not maybe the best player for France. Campbell scored a try and started a length of the field ‘ Try of the Year’ and handled the ball twice, and was there on Foketi’s shoulder when he scored. Cheers.
AndyS
Roar Rookie
Well, if it is all confected, Eddie will be ruing those statements early on about only coaching to the world cup. Perhaps they were a coincidence, but they start to look more like a slip of the lip rather than of the tongue. Will shine a new light if he does end up going and suggest it has been the plan since Day one...
AndyS
Roar Rookie
That makes sense, now that you mention it, there is a slight family resemblance to that little green one... :silly:
Muzwell
Roar Rookie
I don't have any issue with Eddie having a backup plan in case he gets the sack. BUT - in the case that ARU decide to retain him after whatever inquiry is going to happen next - I would hope he has the moral fibre to stick around and help fix this mess. I don't buy the claim by that French assistant coach (whathisname?) who said Eddie wouldn't stick around if he didn't think he was going to be given the tools to fix things. I mean he knew very well what deep problems we have in Australian rugby and he took the job regardless. So now is not the time to cut and run Eddie. Personally I'm on the fence as to whether ARU should retain him. He definitely made some big mistakes leading up to and during this campaign. And while I've no doubt we would have probably made the quarters under Rennie the reality is our issues go far deeper than who the coach is - and Eddie is a good coach (maybe not the "worlds best" as Hamish tried to have us believe). But at this stage I'd like to think that Eddie is true to his word that he intends to see this through one way or the other - and if ARU do sack him then I'll wish him the best of luck with Japan.
cispt2
Roar Rookie
Thanks DaniE ! What makes it so frustrating is how poor the decision makes has been. In some ways, the ends justfy the means.... but ends have been poor, so the means are unacceptable.
john
Roar Rookie
It may be the decision makers ultimately, but Eddie has and is behaving as though he is suffering from concussion. It is an absolute disgrace that he is treating the public and fans the way he is.For many people who travelled to France it may well be their last opportunity to go to a world cup or indeed watch a test match involving the Wallabies. Jones firstly selected a squad that blind Freddie could see would not do well. His match selections were equally as baffling. Who in their right mind picks a bench player who can play only on the wing. He is still treating the fans and public with disdain and shows no sign that he is concerned for anyone but himself. Rugby Australia certainly put this plane crash into motion and are also responsible but Jones don't care and rude attitude is a disgrace. Why does Waugh or the board does not have the guts to question Jones. Why ask the players what they thought. What player is going to critize the coach or the board if they value their rugby career in Australia. How many of Jones team have had their confidence destroyed by the whole debacle?