Inside Eddie Jones’ first day in return as Wallabies coach as he gets a cheeky welcome from staff

The last time Eddie Jones was in Sydney in an official rugby capacity he was branded a traitor and got into a heated altercation with an Aussie fan – but on Monday he returned to a hero’s welcome that included a cake, a suit fitting and a new car.

The newly minted Wallabies coach had plenty to celebrate as he made his return to the top job after an 18-year absence while also marking his 63nd birthday and his Australian homecoming.

It was his first day on the job after replacing David Rennie, and Jones took the time to tour the NSW Waratahs’ home ground of Allianz Stadium for the Sydney Sevens on Sunday.

Jones was happy to sign autographs for starstruck young fans, but said work would commence immediately with only eight months until the Wallabies compete in Paris

The veteran coach was like a kid in a candy store, happily signing autographs, meeting young fans and taking a tour of Rugby Australia’s building and indoor training facilities.  

‘I’m here mingling, mate,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday.

‘I’ll start meeting with staff at Rugby Australia and the Wallabies staff [on Monday]. We’ve already got a bit of a plan of when we’ll get out to the states.

‘I’ve spoken to a few of the senior players by phone but it’s obviously more beneficial to meet them face-to-face.’

Jones and the personalised cake covered in sprinkles presented to him on his 63rd birthday which was also his first day in charge as coach of the Wallabies again

Jones arrived at Rugby Australia’s Moore Park base on Monday, where he was greeted with a personalised birthday cake and staff singing him happy birthday.

He was also presented with his company vehicle, a new Land Rover from a sponsor.

While there were plenty of smiles, the company vehicle is expected to notch up several thousand kilometres as Jones gets to work transforming the Wallabies into a World Cup contender. 

Jones (centre) in his first stint as Wallabies coach with players including Brendan Cannon, Matt Burke and former captain George Gregan

‘Everyone’s excited by the opportunity for Australian rugby to do well. I’m so honoured to be given this responsibility,’ he said.

‘We want to get on the front page by winning. 

‘We want to see the headlines: “Wallabies win the Bledisloe Cup for the first time for 22 years”.’