Eddie Jones Back In Charge, As Japanese Rugby Union Announces His Return
Eddie Jones Back In Charge, As Japanese Rugby Union Announces His Return
Eddie Jones returns as head coach for Japan Rugby, bringing expertise and optimism after Wallabies' World Cup woes. Excitement awaits in 2024.
The Japanese Rugby Football Union officially has named Eddie Jones as its new head coach, marking his return to a role he previously held from 2012 to 2015. The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation surrounding Jones' potential re-appointment.
Jones is set to commence his duties on Jan. 1, according to the official statement on the union's website.
The 63-year-old Australian resigned as the head coach of Australia in October, following a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign that saw the Wallabies exit at the pool stage, marking their worst performance in the tournament's history.
Despite media reports during the World Cup suggesting Jones had been interviewed for the Japan job, the coach denied any such discussions, only for the official confirmation to come later.
Eddie Jones announced as Japan National Team Head Coach as of 1 January 2024
— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) December 13, 2023
🔗 https://t.co/p0kKftmWsJ…#JapanRugby pic.twitter.com/EQeU7Xv63U
This appointment follows Jones' successor, Jamie Joseph, who guided Japan to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2019 but faced a pool-stage exit in France.
Jones, whose mother and wife are Japanese, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having led Japan to a historic upset of South Africa in the 2015 World Cup.
His return to the helm is expected to bring renewed energy and strategic prowess to the Japanese rugby scene.
Previously sacked by England in December, Jones made a swift return to coach Australia in January, expressing confidence in the Wallabies claiming a third World Cup triumph in France. However, the team's lackluster performance, including five losses in the lead-up to the tournament, resulted in a disappointing ninth-place ranking in the world.
Despite recent setbacks, Jones remains highly regarded in Japan, and his past success with the Brave Blossoms adds a sense of optimism for the future of Japanese rugby under his leadership.
As the countdown to Jan. 1 begins, rugby enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the impact of Jones' return on Japan's rugby fortunes.