Eddie Jones bombshell: New report claims coach WILL ditch the Wallabies and return to Japan after ‘secret interview’
- Eddie Jones will reportedly take the Japan job
- Reports in Japan claim he is ‘expected’ to takeover
- Jones is claimed to have done a ‘secret interview’ before the World Cup
Eddie Jones will leave Australia to return to Japan, according to a report in the Japanese media.
Jones’s future with the Wallabies has been clouded by uncertainty despite the 58-year-old returning to Australia just nine months ago.
Prior to the Wallabies’ disastrous World Cup campaign, Jones reportedly underwent a secret interview with Japanese rugby bosses over their head coach position, with the Aussie previously flourishing with the Brave Blossoms in 2015.
Jones strenuously denied the rumours, labelling them ‘bulls*** and gossip’, but now Japanese sports website Sponichi claims Jones is expected to takeover and leave Australia.
‘Current Australian national team coach Eddie Jones is expected to return as the successor to Joseph,’ the story read, via Fox Sports.
Eddie Jones will reportedly ditch Australia for Japan, according to a report
The Wallabies suffered a nightmare World Cup campaign and crashed out in France
‘This spring, Masato Tsuchida, president of the Japan Association, with whom he has had a honeymoon relationship since his days at Suntory, contacted him.
‘Contract negotiations have been held privately behind the scenes, and preparations are underway for (his) return (for the first time) since the 2015 World Cup, which led them to a historic three wins.’
The Japanese outlet claimed that support for Jones within Rugby Australia has diminished following their early World Cup exit.
‘The Australian team at this tournament is at a historic low, and there are growing voices questioning Jones’ ability,’ the report added.
‘Last month, it was reported that he had an online meeting with the (Japan Rugby Football Union) before the tournament, which sparked criticism.
‘He denies this, and the Australian Association (Rugby Australia) has also issued a statement supporting his continued participation until the 2027 (World Cup), raising the possibility that a return to Japan may be a deal-breaker.’
Jones is reportedly close friends with Japan rugby boss Masato Tsuchida (left)
Japanese reports claim support for Jones from Rugby Australia is deteriorating
Jones coached Japan from 2012 to 2015 and oversaw a miracle World Cup campaign, in which they defeated South Africa.
He is married to a Japanese woman and has a close relationship with Japan rugby chief Masato Tsuchida.
When quizzed on the initial Japan links, Jones fired back: ‘I don’t know what you are talking about mate.
‘I take umbrage to people questioning my commitment to the Australia job.’
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