England manager Eddie Jones. (Photo by Jason McCawley – RFU Collection via Getty Images)
Eddie Jones said on Wednesday he had no complaints about the way he was sacked as England manager just nine months before the Rugby World Cup kicked off.
The 62-year-old Australian, who had been in charge since 2015, was sacked after a poor 2022 in which England won just five of their 12 games.
“I could feel the change in the wind,” he told the BBC.
“We never complain when they appoint us and that is why we cannot complain when they decide to dismiss us.
“I understand the decision. I don’t have a problem with that.”
Jones led England to the 2019 World Cup final, where they lost to South Africa, and always aimed for success in France next year.
However, he was disappointed by a poor Six Nations in which England won just two games and an equally disappointing Autumn Series that produced losses to Argentina and South Africa, a draw with New Zealand and a win over Japan.
“I had a good opportunity, but they made the decision that they don’t think I can do the job to the level that they want and I can’t discuss that. I’m not in a position to discuss it.” “
There was frustration within the Rugby Football Union over Jones’ World Cup focus at the expense of immediate success, but he insists he was right to focus on France 2023, after which his contract ended.
“There are two points of view,” he said.
“Of course the next game is important, nobody ever says it’s not. But also the World Cup is the ultimate trophy.”
“I wouldn’t have done anything differently.
“I was pretty sure we were on the right track before the World Cup and I still believe that.
“We had a plan to go to the top in the World Cup and unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to finish it. I felt it coming.
“Sometimes the results don’t turn out the way you expected and you pay for that. I know that better than anyone, so I don’t regret what I did.”
Jones was replaced on Monday by Leicester boss Steve Borthwick, who was his assistant coach with Japan for three years and then with England for five.
“They were a great group of guys,” Jones said.
“They play hard and they train hard and they pride themselves on playing well for England. I’m sure they will do well under Steve.”
Jones, who has traveled widely and coached Australia between 2001 and 2005 and advised South Africa in 2007 when they won the Webb Ellis Trophy, confirmed that he has been in talks with other unions about possible roles.
“I’ve had conversations with people from various organizations about the possibility of joining their team in a capacity over the next 24 months,” Jones said.
“I’ve had discussions with other federations. I’m not aware of breaking confidentiality on that.”
And he rejected suggestions that he might be about to return to Australia as a replacement for Wallabies boss Dave Rennie’s under-pressure.
“Be a perceptive reader,” he laughed. “Never believe what you read in the newspapers.”
