Scandal: Eddie Jones’ Wallabies future in doubt over leaked interview

Eddie Jones’ future as head coach of the Wallabies has been thrown into doubt after an Australian newspaper report suggests he’s already looking for other jobs.

The Sydney Morning Herald has published a sensational report which claims that Jones has been involved in the hunt for Japan’s next head coach following the Rugby World Cup, despite having over four years left to run on his Wallabies contract.

The SMH report that Jones applied for the role of head of coach of Japan – his former job – less than two weeks before the kick-off of the Rugby World Cup.

The 63-year-old is said to have interviewed over Zoom for the job on August 25th and was the first person the Japan Rugby Football Union spoke to in relation to replacing current head coach Jamie Joseph.

If accurate, it could have major ramifications for Jones’ future with the Wallabies, a future already in doubt due to his dire tenure as head coach. Many expect the Wallabies will part ways with Jones if they fail to beat Wales in today’s Pool C game. If they do lose, the two-time World Cup winners face the ignominy of a pool stage exit.

A historic loss to Fiji last round – the Wallabies’ sixth in seven Tests under Jones – has put the former England head in the firing line with a review to be conducted by Rugby Australia after the tournament.

In June Rugby Australia had to clarify comments Jones made in a podcast suggesting he wouldn’t be staying for his full contract with his home union.

“I’m only coaching ’til this World Cup,” Jones told the podcast. “I’ve signed [until the end of 2027], but as I’ve made the mistake before, I’ve stayed too long. So, we win the World Cup, it will be time to go. If we lose the World Cup, it will be time to go.”

RA said that Jones would be honouring his contract.

Jones’ seven-year tenure in charge of England ended in December with his sacking after a run of results in 2022 that included six defeats and a draw in 12 matches.

Prior to England, Jones had a very successful run as head coach of Japan between 2012 and 2015, leading them to a famous victory over the Springboks at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

additional reporting PA