England head coach Eddie Jones. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
former boss of england eddy jones was named Australia’s new coach on Monday in “a big coup” after david rennie he was sacked and vowed to lead them to Rugby World Cup glory in France this year.
It will be the veteran’s second spell in charge after his 2001-05 spell, during which he led 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 away from the world masterpiece after just five wins from 14 events last year.
Assistant coach Scott Wisemantel resigned earlier this month.
Speculation abounded that Jones, an Australian, would be included in the Wallabies’ setup, but Rennie last week ruled out working with him, saying “it won’t happen.”
Jones, who was sacked by England in December, will start on January 29 on a contract that will see him through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia and includes a home series for the British & Irish Lions in 2025.
In what Rugby Australia called a world first, she will also spearhead the Wallaroos’ domestic program as the governing body moves towards a professional future for the women’s game.
Jones said his immediate goal was to win the World Cup this year.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to return to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup,” said the 62-year-old.
“This is going to be a huge period for Australian rugby union – as a proud Australian it is a great honor to be able to come home and lead the national team through these years.
“The Wallabies team is a really talented group of players with good depth.
“If we can get everyone fit and healthy for this year’s World Cup, I’m sure we can go to France and break the 24-year drought of winning the rugby World Cup.
“I really want to go home and get stuck in.”
Jones was sacked by England after presiding over their worst year since 2008, with the team losing six of 12 Tests, winning five and drawing one.
He said last month that recent years had taken their 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 turn down, I’ll look at it.”
He was also reportedly being hunted by other test nations, including Japan and the United States.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said it was a “big coup” to bring Jones home.
“Eddie’s deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player pool and pathways will take the team to the next level,” he added.
“Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby – this represents an opportunity to secure a highly skilled and experienced manager in the biggest competitions, and we didn’t want to miss it.”
Rennie has been linked with a move to the Kobe Steelers in Japan, though he rejected claims last week that any deal had been signed.
Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos paid tribute to Rennie’s “hard work and effort”.
“Dave has been instrumental in developing much of the depth that we see in and around the current Wallabies team,” he said.
“There are a number of players who are genuine World Cup possibilities because of the opportunities that Dave has provided.
“The work ethic, the spirit within the group and the way the team conducts itself are a direct result of Dave’s input – he has left a real mark on this group of players.”
