Eddie Jones is now poised to be named as Japan’s new head coach, just six weeks after quitting Australia.
Former England boss Jones oversaw Australia’s worst-ever Rugby World Cup campaign in the autumn, with the Wallabies crashing out at the group stage for the first time in tournament history.
The 63-year-old continually denied reports linking him to a return for a second stint with Japan.
But now Jones is expected to be unveiled as the new Brave Blossoms boss with little delay.
Jones oversaw one of Japan’s greatest ever wins and one of the biggest World Cup shocks, with the 34-32 win over South Africa in Brighton in 2015 going down in folklore.
Jones led Australia to the 2003 final in his first stint at the Wallabies helm, but his second spell in charge ended in unmitigated disaster.
He jettisoned a host of senior and seasoned pros ahead of the World Cup in France, and the young starlets pushed forward were unable to deliver.
Jones’ unremitting style has always proved a good fit with Japan’s cultural approach, and the wily operator will be looking to hit back and prove his coaching acumen all over again after the Australia fiasco.
