Eddie Jones has been dismissed as England head coach just nine months out from the start of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the RFU has confirmed today.
Australian Jones leaves his position after seven years in the job following a review of England’s dismal Autumn Nations Series which saw them lose at home to Argentina and South Africa, draw with New Zealand and beat Japan. Those poor results come off the back of two years o
Former Leicester Tigers and Edinburgh Rugby head coach Rochard Cockerill will step up from his current role as England’s forwards coach to take over the day-to-day running of the men’s senior first team.
The RFU statement said the union ‘will now conclude the long-term work it has been undertaking on coach succession planning with changes set to be announced in the near future.’
Current Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick is reported to be the RFU's top pick for the England head coach job having led Tigers to the Premiership title last season having previously been an assistant coach to Jones.
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland had been in the frame but yesterday he was confirmed as Wales' new boss, replacing Wayne Pivac.
Jones' dismissal will certainly shake up the rugby landscape ahead of the 2023 Six Nations and World Cup with his selection decisions often a key point of contention.
Speaking about the review, RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney said; “It is important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made to English rugby, winning three Six Nations Championships, one Grand Slam and taking us to a Rugby World Cup final. He has the highest win ratio of any previous England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.
“I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team. “He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”
Eddie Jones said; “I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team’s performance in the future. Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers.”
The decision for Eddie to leave was taken by the RFU board earlier today. Speaking about the decision, RFU Chair, Tom Ilube said; “The independent review panel regularly updates board on its discussions and findings. We are fully supportive of its process and recommendations.”
