Newly minted Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has confirmed his commitment to coaching the team until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, despite recent comments suggesting he might step down after this year’s tournament.
In a recent interview on the Evening Standard Rugby Podcast with former England international Lawrence Dallaglio, Jones’ remarks caused a stir and prompted Rugby Australia officials to contact him and his management for clarification.
‘I’m only coaching ’til this World Cup,’ Jones told the podcast.
‘I’ve signed [until the end of 2027], but as I’ve made the mistake before, I’ve stayed too long. So, we win the World Cup, it will be time to go. If we lose the World Cup, it will be time to go.’
The experienced coach had signed a five-year contract in January, which extends through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup hosted in Australia.
Jones has clarified comments he made suggesting he would quit the Wallabies after the World Cup in Paris later this year
Jones (pictured with Wallabies Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge and Pone Fa’amausili) set off alarm bells at Rugby Australia when he said he’d be leaving after the Cup
Previously, Jones expressed regret about continuing as England’s coach beyond the 2019 World Cup.
However, in a statement last week, Rugby Australia expressed confidence that Jones would honor his contract, having taken over from dismissed Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.
Seeking to clear up any confusion, Jones reached out to the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday evening to reaffirm his commitment to the Australian national team.
He emphasised that even if the Wallabies were to win the upcoming World Cup in France, he plans to stay on board and lead the team through the home tournament in 2027.
‘I am here for five years,’ Jones said.
‘But my only concentration is this Rugby World Cup, so I don’t think past that.’
Jones has only five Tests to prepare the Wallabies for the World Cup, which kicks off in Paris on September 9.
Jones is pictured during an Australia Wallabies training camp at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast in April
Western Force front-rower Tom Robertson (with ball) was named for the Wallabies train-on squad but has suffered an ACL tear and will miss the World Cup
The Australian national team has just over a month before their first test of the year against South Africa in Pretoria on July 8.
Apart from a three-day camp held in April, Jones has been eagerly awaiting the chance to work with his players as they fulfill their Super Rugby obligations.
He will finally have this opportunity next Monday, as the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force did not qualify for the quarterfinals.
Players from these teams who could potentially represent the Wallabies will take a break this week before joining Australian coaches at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.
Although the official Wallabies squad announcement is scheduled for June 25, this date might be moved up if Australian teams don’t advance far in the Super Rugby finals.
Jones chose six Rebels players – Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge, Carter Gordon, Jordan Uelese, Brad Wilkin, and Pone Fa’amausili – for the April camp, along with Force prop Tom Robertson, who has since suffered an ACL tear and will be out for the year.
Izack Rodda, Folau Fainga’a, and Matt Philip are also potential selections.
Wallabies forward Michael Hooper, his wife Kate and their family and friends pose after the Super Rugby match between the NSW Waratahs and Moana Pasifika last Saturday
Wallabies scrum-half Nic White will be hoping to take the Brumbies deep into the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs
Wallabies and Queensland Reds scrum half Tate McDermott will take on the Chiefs in New Zealand in the Super Rugby Pacific finals
If the Waratahs, Reds, and Brumbies lose this week, Jones could assemble a full Wallabies squad by June 19 in Coogee.
The Wallabies will return to the Gold Coast on June 26 and leave for South Africa on July 2.
The Wallabies have lost all seven Tests against South Africa in Pretoria. Their last match there was in 2016 under Michael Cheika, resulting in an 18-10 loss.
After finishing sixth in the regular season the Waratahs are set to begin the Super Rugby Pacific finals series with a clash against the Blues at Eden Park, scheduled for 5.35pm AEST on Friday, June 9.
The Reds, who managed to reach the finals due to their points differential, will take on the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato, with the match starting at 2.35pm AEST on Saturday, June 10.
Securing the home ground advantage with their fourth-place finish, the Brumbies will welcome the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium, kicking off at 7.35pm AEST on Saturday, June 10.
All games of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific finals series can be watched live or on-demand via Stan Sport.
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