Former England boss Eddie Jones was appointed as the new Australia coach on Saturday in a “major coup” following the sacking of Dave Rennie, and vowed to steer them to World Cup glory in France this year.
This will be the veteran’s second stint in charge after a 2001-2005 spell in which he took the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final, where they lost to England.
New Zealand’s Rennie, who took over from Michael Cheika at the end of 2019, was shown the door just eight months out of the global showpiece after just five wins from 14 Tests last year.
Assistant coach Scott Wisemantel resigned earlier this month.
Jones is in charge
Speculation had been rife that Jones, an Australian, would be brought into the Wallabies set-up, but Rennie last week ruled out working with him, saying it was “not going to happen”.
Jones, who was released by England in December, will start on January 29 on a contract that runs until the 2027 World Cup in Australia and includes the England and Ireland Lions series in 2025.
In what Rugby Australia called the world-first, he will also lead the rise of the national Wallaroos program as the governing body pushes towards a professional future for the women’s game.
Jones said his immediate goal is to win the World Cup this year.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to come home to Australia and lead my country to the rugby World Cup,” the 62-year-old said.
“It’s going to be a big moment for Australian rugby – as proud as Australia is, it’s a huge honor to be able to come home and lead the national team this year.
“The Wallabies squad is a very talented group of players.
“If we can have everyone fit and healthy at the World Cup this year, I’m sure we can go to France and break a 24-year drought to win a rugby World Cup.
“I’m really looking forward to going back home and jamming.”
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Jones was sacked by England after leading his worst year since 2008, with the team losing six of 12 Tests, with five wins and a draw.
He said last month that the past few years had taken a toll and it would be “difficult” to bounce back and coach another team at the World Cup.
But he added: “If someone comes forward and the offer is too good to refuse, then I will look at it.”
He is reportedly also being pursued by other Test nations, including Japan and the United States.
work hard
Australian Rugby chairman Hamish McLennan said it was a “major coup” to lure Jones home.
“Eddie’s understanding of the rugby system and his knowledge of our group of players and our pathways will lift the team to the next level,” he said.
“Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby – this is an opportunity to secure a coach with exceptional expertise and experience in the biggest competition, and one we don’t want to miss.”
Rennie has been linked with a move to Japan’s Kobe Steelers, although he denied claims last week that a deal had been signed.
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Rugby Australia chief Andy Marinos paid tribute to Rennie’s “hard work and effort”.
“Dave has been instrumental in developing the depth we see in and around the current Wallabies squad,” he said.
“There are a number of players who are likely to be World Cup originals because of the opportunities that Dave has given them.
“The work ethic, the spirit in the group, and the way the team conducts itself are all a direct result of Dave’s input – he has made a real mark on this group of players.”