Eddie Jones has been sacked as England head coach in response to a dismal autumn with the 2023 World Cup fast approaching.
The Rugby Football Union has acted in response to a dismal autumn that concluded England’s worst year since 2008, comprising of six defeats, a draw and five wins.
Jones was contracted until the end of next year’s World Cup but now looks set to be replaced by his former number two Steve Borthwick, Leicester’s director of rugby.
“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,” Jones said.
“Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch, and I wish them all well in their future careers.”
Here we look at the highs and lows of Jones’ seven years in charge.
Highs
Grand Slam, 2016
Jones’ reign began with fireworks as he masterminded England’s first Grand Slam since 2023 and first Six Nations title for five years using the same players who had crashed to a group exit at the World Cup just months earlier.
Series whitewash of Australia, 2016
As part of a record-equalling 17-Test run, Australia were crushed 3-0 on a tour that saw Jones at his combative best. The Wallabies were World Cup runners-up having lost to New Zealand in the final just eight months previously.
World Cup semi-final, 2019
England delivered one of the finest performance in the nation’s rugby history by flattening New Zealand 19-7 in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. Never has a 12-point victory been so emphatic.
Lows
The wheels come off, 2018
Everything Jones initially touched turned to gold, but the cracks began appearing in the shape of a five-Test losing run – six if the defeat in the non-cap international against the Barbarians is included.
World Cup final, 2019
A week after scaling the heights by toppling champions New Zealand, England collapsed to a 32-12 defeat by South Africa in the final. From the start they looked incapable of putting a dent in an inspired Springboks team.
Six Nations fifth-placed finish, 2021
For the second time in the Jones era, England finished fifth in the Six Nations, mirroring their performance in 2018. Jones reacted by axing some of his old guard, yet within the year most of them were back.
