Eddie Jones has made a remarkable return to his homeland eighteen years after his tearful dismissal by Australia in 2005, and twenty years after an agonizing World Cup defeat – and he has unfinished business with the Wallabies.
After focusing the last few years of his England tenure on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, it appeared that he would miss out on the big dance after being fired by the Rugby Football Union in December.
But this unexpected turn means he’ll have another chance at the big time – and his target is clear.
“If we can get everyone fit and healthy for the World Cup this year, I am confident that we can go to France and end our 24-year drought,” he said.
Jones replaces Rennie as Australia’s head coach.
Jones hasn’t coached in Australia in a long time – his last stint there was a disastrous spell in charge of the Queensland Reds in 2007 – but his reputation has improved as a result of his absence.
The 62-year-impressive old’s World Cup record, as well as his extraordinary head-to-head record against Australia as England coach, would have added to his legend, with 10 wins out of 11 matches over a seven-year period.
“Having the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and oversee the Wallaroos program is a major coup for Australian rugby,” said Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan.