Wallabies legend and Eddie Jones’ close mate Mark Ella has told the under fire coach he has “got to be honest” when he faces questions over the team’s World Cup failure on Tuesday.
Jones will hold a media conference at Coogee Oval at 9.30am AEDT where it is expected he will make a statement on his future amidst reports that he was interviewed for the vacant Japan job.
Ella and Jones met up nearby ahead of Jones’ ill-fated tournament – where the Wallabies crashed out in the pool stage for the first time in their history by losing to Wales and Fiji.
Ella said he thought Jones would opt to stay with the Wallabies. The coach has a contract through to the end of the 2027 World Cup on home soil but his future is the subject of much conjecture.
“It has been hard, but he knew what was in front of him, and it wasn’t like he didn’t know what was coming,” Ella was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I think he will stay. I don’t think he’s a guy who wants to give up so easily. He’s only had six months. He’s tried to change the team, and that’s all great, but he needs more time. It’s as simple as that.
“Eddie was always talking about how he only had six months [to prepare for the Cup], how we’ll do our best, but we need to look at the next World Cup. He’s got four years, and if he’s around, he better bloody pull his finger out.”
Ella described Jones as a “grumpy little person” when under pressure and the coach’s prickly dealings with media before, during and since the World Cup disaster make this obvious.
Ella added he was surprised by the reports linking Jones to the Japan job.
“I’ll ask Eddie the same question and ask, ‘What the far out went wrong?’. He has to come up with the right answer. If he doesn’t, he might as well look to Japan. I found that strange. You don’t come from England to Australia then within six months you’re looking at another job.
“I don’t know. We’ll all know soon. He’ll face the Australian media tomorrow. He’s got to be honest and tell the media and rugby supporters exactly what’s going on.
Eddie Jones, Head Coach of Australia, speaks to the media prior to the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Portugal at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on October 01, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I’m hoping he meets the press, tells them the truth, and that he will be here another four or five years.”
Former Wallabies captain Stephen Moore meanwhile told the ABC that he believed Jones was never committed to the Wallabies job.
Jones told a podcast prior to the tournament that he would be leaving ahead of schedule, win or lose – although he later tried to pass it off as a a joke.
“It looks like he’s [Jones] in the mix for that Japan role,” Moore said. “I think, to be fair, people are a bit over it to be honest, and we’re looking to clear it up next week and get some honest truths out of Eddie about what his intentions are, and I think it will be the best thing for everyone if he just fronts up at the press conference and tells everyone what was happening.
“I think he’s never really felt fully committed to the role, there’s always been conjecture around is he coming or going.
“He’s got a very strong relationship with the Japanese president and there’s always been speculation, hasn’t there, about whether he’s going to take that role after the World Cup.
“I think there’s never been real certainty around what he’s doing … we need clarity from Eddie and from Rugby Australia to do our reviews and move on.”
Jones has repeatedly denied that he interviewed for the Japan job to replace Jamie Joseph.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Bash him? I said I loved him.
Kai Levuka
Roar Rookie
Can we also fix this situation where schoolboys (albeit very talented schoolboys) go straight into professional setups where a lot of their development stalls. I’d like to see at least some exposure to club rugby where they would gain some further skills and traits that would serve them well when the chips are down… like perseverance, and character and hard work.
Kai Levuka
Roar Rookie
Hang on … Mark Ella hasn’t really been involved in coaching or administration. Some journo asks him a question due to his knowledge and friendship with EJ and you bash him for his answer? Why don’t you go after the journalist that asked him the question. Take him or her to task about the relevance of seeking Mark Ella’s opinion instead of bashing him.
Good Game
Roar Rookie
That dastardly 58% win rate and consistently being in the top 3 ranked sides. Gave young players a go who made semis in 2011 and left me thinking, sh!t they're going to be even better in 2015. 12 years later.... Deans indeed got a fair shake at it and made something of it. His treatment on the way out wasn't too flash or dignified though. This after series loss to the Lions where the nucleus of that team was built against a formidable and dominant 09 Springbok side. How dare he want to drive this that take that win % to the next level. But still... 12 years later...
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Bob Dwyer is the gap. You’re right about Macqueen.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Nobody? Knows what they’re talking about? I thought it was just me.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Wasting your time with dbx KP. I doubt he’s actually a Dr with the filth in his comments which Roar deleted. I’ve renamed him ELC (Eddie’s Love Child). :thumbup:
Cec
Roar Rookie
RL. If Ed stays all of AUS rugby will have eggs on their faces. Ed’s behaviour and performance has been shocking when it should have been his best foot forward with results to engage supporters & people who put faith in him. Why would people want another 4yrs of what Eddie has served up until now? Because he’s Aussie mate :laughing: .
Cec
Roar Rookie
Yes flick Eddie & Hamish and actually advertise the role with due diligence. We will likely be surprised on who is interested. F-off the BS argument about how it has to be Ed as no one else will do it or he’s the best candidate. Eddie’s just proven that he’s no longer up to it.
Joffrey
Roar Rookie
Link was stabbed in the back by senior Waratah players. Feel for him. :crying:
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Bollocks! :crying: Cheers KP
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
So The Roar article the other day where Eddie was definitely going was.... what?
GhostFacePilfer
Roar Rookie
I don't disagree with the sentiment Max. As a Qlder I find the Sydney-centricity of Australian Rugby frustrating (in particular I am sick of hearing about the glory years of the 'running rugby of Randwick'. I can't see how club rugby from the 1980's is relevant to today's professional game). But are your stats correct? In the past 35 years I count Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie and Michael Cheika as Randwick affiliated (total of approx 12 years). Connolly is a Qlder. Deans and Rennie obviously NZers. And I thought Macqueen was affiliated with Warringah. Am I missing something?
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
I wish I was all three
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Coaches come from successful clubs. It takes about 5-10 years to become a wallaby coach and Cheika , Link & Eddie had great mentors like Bob Dwyer and countless wallabies to draw from. Randwick coaches, have won 1 Rugby World Cup final and made 3 rugby World Cup finals plus Cheika is still going in this one so that probably says they are successful. But agree Eddie should be fired now and yeah try a Brumbies coach.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Such as. Well of you want the truth. The truth is this. The RA Board gave me a contract which specifically agreed to my request to join Japan after the RWC, if I had opportunity. Come back EJ as 1st new member of the new RA board!!!! :happy: Cheers KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Ah, like it! Cheers KP
Rugbytrylover
Roar Rookie
To see if Eddie explains everything honestly?
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Now there's a thought. But no way I am contributing to a "go fund me" to "compensate eddy" for his desserts. If the board cannot afford to sack him, they could not afford to hire him. Board complicit. Unless the minute exists, in which their "objection" to giving a new coach was formally recorded. To a contract, if it had ZERO RWC performance clause. To a purported 5 year contract, if it gave the employee option to walk away, after 9 months. Don't argue. Cheers KP
Guess
Roar Rookie
Shame McLennan didn't know