Former England boss Eddie Jones was yesterday appointed the new Australia coach in “a major coup” after Dave Rennie was sacked, and vowed to steer them to World Cup glory in France this year.
It would be the veteran’s second stint in charge after his 2001-2005 spell during which he took the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final, where they lost to England.
New Zealander Rennie, who took over from Michael Cheika at the end of 2019, was shown the door just eight months out from the global showpiece after only five wins from 14 Tests last year.
Photo: Reuters
Assistant coach Scott Wisemantel quit earlier this month.
Speculation had been rife that Jones, an Australian, would be brought into the Wallabies setup, but Rennie last week ruled out working with him, saying “it won’t happen.”
Jones, who was dumped by England last month, is to start on Jan. 29 on a contract that would take him through until the 2027 World Cup in Australia and includes a home British and Irish Lions series in 2025.
In what Rugby Australia called a world-first, he would also head up the national Wallaroos program as the governing body pushes toward a professional future for the women’s game.
Jones said his immediate aim was to win the World Cup this year.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a rugby World Cup,” the 62-year-old said. “It is going to be an immense period for Australian rugby — as a proud Australian, it is a great honor to be able to come home and lead the national team during these years.”
Jones was axed by England after presiding over their worst year since 2008, with the team losing six out of 12 Tests, with five wins and a draw.
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