Crisis-hit Wallabies boss Eddie Jones has denied claims he is set to take over Japan and reaffirmed his “intention” to remain with the Australian side until the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Jones suffered an embarrassing exit from the World Cup, which left many wondering if he would be sacked less than a year after taking charge.
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Despite the dire result, Jones insists he has “no worries” about the possibility of being sacked and believes the polarising team selection leaves the Wallabies in a “great position” for 2027.
“I can’t control those things,” Jones said. “All I can do is coach.”
“I went to the World Cup, I was there for a short period, I had to make a decision about the team, and I decided to take the youngsters.
“The World Cup result wasn’t what we wanted, but I think Australia is in a good position to qualify for 2027. That will be decided at the 2027 World Cup.”
As Jones pointed out, his future remains in the hands of Rugby Australia and all parties will sit down to consider exactly what went wrong during the disastrous World Cup campaign.
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Still, the 63-year-old believes he has the full support of his board and chooses to look to the future.
“We have to do a review, and the results are clearly disappointing,” Jones said.
“Everyone was really shocked by it, especially me.
“But I stand by the decision we made and I think we’ve put Australian rugby in a better position.”
Amid the horror show unfolding in France, bombshell reports emerged that Jones had been interviewed for the Japan national team coaching job and has since claimed he will take on the role.
Instead, Jones has strengthened his commitment to the Wallabies.
“I didn’t talk to anyone, buddy,” Jones said.
“I’ve said that before. I have no idea, buddy.”
Jones also claimed he had not spoken to Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) president Masato Tsuchida “for a long time”.
Additionally, Jones’ youth-focused selection policy has been met with much controversy, with veteran stars Michael Hooper and Kwadé Cooper staying at home.
Jones believes the experience will help the team perform well at the next World Cup, but admits the Wallabies are a long way from the level of teams that progressed through the group stages in France.
“We weren’t good enough, buddy,” Jones said.
“We have to watch the quarter-finals on the weekend. We’re not at that level and we can’t pretend to be at that level.
“But can we get there by 2027? Yes, we can.”
