Eddie Jones gives timeframe for coaching return after disastrous Wallabies stint

Former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones has confirmed that several parties are interested in his services and therefore expects to be back coaching by early next year.

After leaving his position as Australia’s manager after a terrible tenure that saw him win only two games—against Georgia and Portugal—the 63-year-old is presently unemployed.

They were eliminated from the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage for the first time ever, and right before the international competition, it was said that Jones had a Zoom interview with Japanese officials in order to take over at the Brave Blossoms.

January target

“I want to coach, of course,” he said to The Australian. “I’m now seeking for work.

“I’ve had a handful of other countries approach me, and if Japan did come knocking, I would surely talk to them.

“A European club is interested, so hopefully I’ll be working again by January.”

Jones addressed the Japan connections once more, but this time he responded in a far more candid manner, saying that “discussions take place” rather than “no formal talks.”

“With everything that’s been said about Japan, I wonder why I would send the youngest team to the World Cup. We were the World Cup’s youngest team, so why would I do that? How come I would do it if I wasn’t planning to stay?

said.

“I am not an idiot – I had the intention of staying on.

“I haven’t had any official conversations with them (Japan). Everyone is aware that conversations happen; for example, I spoke with the club this morning. However, this doesn’t imply that I’m taking the position on as well, nor does it imply that I’m betraying my current employer.

“Because there are agents in the world who keep calling.” They link individuals and get paid for it. I haven’t taken any official action. Nothing has changed in that sense; I haven’t done anything improper at all or taken a formal approach in Japan.

“I’m currently looking for work, as I don’t have a job.” Thus, yes, I do need to seek for work, and if doing so is wrong, then I am doing a bad thing.

A better coach

Although Jones is getting close to his mid-60s, he maintains that he has no plans to retire and that, in fact, he has become a better coach.

This is true even though they led the Wallabies to their worst-ever World Cup finish—a 40–6 loss to Wales was their biggest ever setback at an international competition.

“Coaching is something I’ll continue to do as long as I have the energy to do it,” he continued.

However, as you are aware, the more experience and knowledge one gains, the more skilled a coach one becomes. Compared to this time last year, I am a far superior coach.

“I’ve learnt a lot from Australia. I’ve learned some things I shouldn’t have done, some things I didn’t do well and I’ll be a better coach in the next job that I do.”