Australia Head Coach Resigns Following Early Rugby World Cup Exit

Eddie Jones has stepped down as head coach of Australia. The Wallabies exited the recent Rugby World Cup in the pool stage – the first time in the tournament’s history they failed to reach the knockout stage.

The statement added an announcement over the future of Australia’s coaching staff would be made “in due course”.

Jones was sacked by England just one month before taking on the role as Wallabies head coach, succeeding Dave Rennie. He signed a contract running through to 2027 – the year Australia hosts the next Rugby World Cup. During this year’s tournament, Jones denied speculation linking him with a return as Japan coach, insisting he was “committed” to his role with Australia.ALSO READ:Spain And Barcelona Midfielder Aitana Bonmati Wins Award For First Time

It had been reported he was interviewed by Japan, whom he coached from 2012 to 2015, days before Australia began their World Cup campaign. The Australian, whose mother and wife are Japanese, said he had “no idea” where the story came from, adding: “I haven’t spoken to anyone.”

Jones had led Australia and England to World Cup finals in 2003 and 2019 respectively, but his sides lost on both occasions.

He told the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday: “(I) gave it a run. Hopefully (I’ll) be the catalyst for change.” Australia were upset by Fiji and lost heavily to Wales in a disappointing 2023 campaign, eventually finishing third in their pool.

They won only two of their nine Tests after Jones’ return – against tier-two nations Georgia and Portugal at the World Cup. The announcement comes after Rugby Australia led an independent review into the team’s performance at the World Cup.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh is set to hold a media conference on Tuesday to address the fall-out from Jones’ forthcoming departure. Chairman of Rugby Australia Hamish McLennan, who played a key role in getting Jones to return to the side for a second stint, said he would not quit following the disappointing World Cup campaign.

McLennan told the Sydney Morning Herald: “I came to rugby to find a way to fix it when it all fell over and despite the sad Eddie situation, this is another hurdle we’ll overcome.”

BBC