Job in the balance: Eddie Jones could yet be ousted as England head coach this week
(Picture: Getty Images)Eddie Jones will explain his “I don’t care what other people think” comment to RFU bosses today, in a final attempt to hold on to his England job.
The England boss is understood to be prepared to tell RFU chiefs his dismissive comment was meant to highlight the strength of his coaching convictions, not alienate fans.
Head coach Jones rejected all outside opinion in the immediate aftermath of England’s chastening 27-13 defeat by South Africa at Twickenham on November 26.
Bill Sweeney thanked England fans for their patience in a statement the following day, with the RFU chief executive insisting of supporters: “It matters to us how they feel”.
Jones will today meet RFU chiefs for the last time in the governing body’s review of a miserable Autumn Nations Series, where England mustered just one win in four Tests.
The vastly-experienced Australian coach will have the chance to add context to that dismissal of others’ opinions, at the end of a year where England slumped to their worst 12-month run since 2008.
Jones is thought to view his tunnel-vision focus as vital to bringing the best out of England. The 62-year-old will be left to hope that the RFU board shares that attitude, with English chiefs still weighing his future.
Jones was due to relinquish his role after the 2023 World Cup, but could yet be unseated now. English chiefs have seriously considered Jones' position, with the Australian coach thought to fear the worst but also remain fully confident in his abilities in the role.
Steve Borthwick has long been the leading candidate to replace Jones after the 2023 World Cup. The Leicester boss has also been in consideration to step into the head coach role should the RFU dispense with Jones’ services now. Former Wales head coach Warren Gatland has also been in the frame for a short-term rescue mission up until next year’s World Cup.
The RFU’s post-autumn review initially started as the routine two-week process that now follows every Test window. But the mood shifted somewhat last week, with Gatland’s emergence as a viable short-term candidate handing RFU chiefs pause for thought.
Several behind-the-scenes issues are understood to have left the RFU seriously considering a change of coach now, but the union would still need to stump up more than £1million in compensation to remove Jones and his backroom team.
Chief executive Sweeney is understood to have led the review meetings and will present findings to the RFU board on Tuesday.
