Eddie Jones Refutes Japan Coaching Speculation Pre-World Cup
Eddie Jones acknowledged that he “felt terrible” about Australia’s World Cup exit, but he maintained that his decision to resign from his position as Wallabies coach and return to Japan was not motivated by remorse.
The 63-year-old, who has consistently disputed accusations about contact with the Japanese Rugby Football Union that initially surfaced during the World Cup, was questioned further on Thursday during a news conference regarding how and when he first made contact with the JRFU about replacing Jamie Joseph.
Former England coach Jones claimed that he had not been interviewed for the position until this month and that the purpose of his August 25 Zoom conversation with recruiters—which took place just before the World Cup—was to talk about his prior experience working in Japan from 2012 to 2015 and provide guidance to them in their search.
The Australian stated, “I didn’t do an interview before the World Cup.” “The hiring company wanted me to talk to them about my experiences. That was the only interview I’ve had; the first one with Japan was in December.
Jones signed a contract in January of this year to return to his position in Australia, with the agreement to last until the 2027 World Cup. However, he used a break clause to go for Japan following a disappointing World Cup in which Australia lost to Japan in the opening round for the first time in their history.
“I signed a five-year contract with Australia with the intention of leading them to two World Cups,” Jones stated. “In Australia, certain changes had to be made to the current system. They required money to overhaul the system, so I agreed with the chairman on a strategy on how we were going to go about doing that.
My contract with Australia Rugby expired after a year due to their inability to meet their obligations. We wouldn’t be able to fully develop potential if they couldn’t keep those promises, so I made the decision to walk on at that point.
Jones responded, “I gave everything I could for that short period of time and it wasn’t good enough,” when asked if he needed to apologies to the Australian supporters’ the best to Australia, I hope.
“I’m devastated by the outcomes in Australia; I wish I could go back and make changes there. I’m not feeling guilty about this procedure at all.
“Everyone has the right to hold their own beliefs. I have no power over what others think. I’m content with what I did because that’s all I can manage. It doesn’t bother me in the least. I have no control over people’s judgements if they feel that way.
Jones, who will take control of a Japan side that finished third in Pool D and failed to advance past the first round in France, stated that his objective is to change the way the Japanese game is structured to better utilize their advantages and unite club and university teams.
Jones, whose mother and wife are Japanese, stated, “I’m honored and privileged and looking forward to the task of creating a Japan side that has real identity and a point of difference.” “I believe that no matter what jersey a great team wears, you can clearly see who they are as a team,”