Eddie Jones has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of Rugby Japan, less than two months since he controversially left the same position at Rugby Australia.
Jones, 63, was rumoured to have been vying for the job from as early as September, accused of taking a secret interview during Australia's Rugby World Cup campaign, but at the time Jones vehemently denied this.
However, these claims have now proven to be true, with Jones taking back control of the team that he led from 2012-2015, officially starting on January 1, 2024.
Eddie Jones takes Japan job after previously denying links
Jones was officially named as the new head coach of Rugby Japan on December 13, despite previously aggressively denying rumours that he would be returning to the organisation.
"There’s no named source for these stories, so there’s no credibility about the story to start with," Jones told the Sydney Morning Herald in October.
"Secondly, the president of Japan Rugby happens to be a very close associate of mine. Every time I go to Japan, I have coffee with him. We talk about rugby.
"Have I met Japanese representatives? Yes. But I have done that for 30 years."
Jones' first test in his second stint as Japan Rugby boss will begin when they host one of his other former teams, England, before a two-test tour of New Zealand, three big challenges to start his return.
Who will replace Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach?
While no replacement has officially been named for Jones, the team has reportedly seeking two top former assistants to take over.
RugbyNews.com have reported that Stephen Larkham and Dan McKellar are the Wallabies' main targets, with Waratahs' coach Darren Coleman and assistant Jason Gilmore also being considered.