Eddie Jones reportedly quits Wallabies post after Rugby World Cup disaster

Eddie Jones’ second coming as Wallabies coach has apparently come to an end as the outspoken mentor reportedly resigned from his position following Australia’s disappointing early exit from the 2023 World Cup.

News sources revealed that Jones conveyed his willingness to step down from the Wallabies job to Rugby Australia on Friday, marking a premature conclusion to his five-year contract, which is yet to reach its one-year mark. Following discussions throughout the weekend, both Jones and Rugby Australia have mutually agreed to go their separate ways.

This development has left Australian rugby union in a state of disappointment, as they had previously welcomed Jones, aged 63, after his sacking from the England coaching role. At the time, Jones was hailed as a potential saviour of the sport.

“Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby” said RA chairman Hamish McLennan at the time, claiming his “deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level.”

However, the return of Eddie Jones to the Wallabies has been far from the success story that many had hoped for. Under his guidance, the team managed to secure victory in only two out of nine Tests. Jones faced scrutiny from both the media and the public for his unconventional player selections, peculiar tactics, unorthodox coaching staff choices and frequent confrontations with the media.

Rumours have been circulating that Eddie Jones already has a new opportunity on the horizon. Several media outlets reported last month that Jones had conducted a confidential meeting with Japan rugby officials regarding the possibility of taking on the role of the country’s head coach in 2024.

Jones swiftly refuted these claims, denying any involvement in the alleged interview or contact with the JRFU or any third parties. Nevertheless, doubts lingered among the rugby community, casting a shadow of uncertainty on Jones’s next career move.

Jones previously coached the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final and their last Bledisloe Cup triumph during a five-year stint (2001-15), while he cemented his legacy as an international coaching mastermind by steering Japan to a historic win over South Africa and a quarter-final berth at the 2015 World Cup, and England to runner-up honours at the 2019 World Cup.