Eddie Jones news: Wallabies coach officially quits after 10 months

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Eddie Jones has officially quit as Australian head coach, less than a year after taking over the job on a long-term deal.

The 63-year-old replaced Dave Rennie in January and was slated to lead the side into both the 2023 and 2027 World Cup campaigns and bring the side back to the promised land. 

Jones was in his second tenure as Wallabies boss, but has now formally parted ways with Rugby Australia, with a potential return to Japan for a second stint in charge of their national side rumored.. 

RA released a statement on Tuesday morning confirming the news and thanking Jones for his serive. 

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Eddie Jones quits as Wallabies coach

Despite rumours of a job interview with Japan prior to flying to France for the group stages, Jones remained adamant he was committed to remaining with the Wallabies for the remainder of his contract.

In a statement released on Sunday, Jones said that he was committed to Rugby Australia, but the timing wasn't quite right for him and the team.

"The only thing I’m disappointed about is the media was trying to portray me as not being committed to Australian rugby," Jones said.

"The last thing anyone could criticise me about is commitment. Anyone that really knows me, knows I’ve been committed to it. I’ve given it a go.

"Now I’ve got the timing wrong, because we’re not ready for the change yet. But hopefully maybe what I can be is a catalyst for change and people will start to see, we really need to get onto this now [changing Australian rugby’s high performance system].”

At this stage, RA have not found a replacement for Jones following his resignation. 

Eddie Jones career coaching record

1998 - 2001 ACT Brumbies
2001 - 2005 Wallabies
2007 Queensland Reds
2009 - 2012 Suntory Sungoliath
2012 - 2015 Japan
2015 - 2022 England
2023 - 2023 Wallabies

Who will replace Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach?

At this stage, there are no standout candidates to replace Jones as head coach. 

When do the Wallabies play next?

After being eliminated from the World Cup in a worst-ever performance, Australia do not have any confirmed matches on the horizon in the wake of Jones' departure from the head coaching role. 

The side's next major fixtures will come in 2025, with the Wallabies slated to take on the British and Irish Lions on home soil. 

When is the next Rugby World Cup?

After falling out of the 2023 tournament, Australia won't get another chance to end their drought until 2027, with the side set to host the World Cup for the first time in over two decades. 

Author(s)
Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia.