Eddie Jones did not remain idle for long.
The Australian Rugby Federation announced on Monday the appointment as head of the Wallabies of the former England coach, who will replace Dave Rennie, dismissed eight months before the Rugby World Cup in France (September 8 - October 28). 2023).
"It's a big blow for Australian rugby to have the best coach in the world come home," said Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan.
It is the second time that the Australian Jones has taken charge of the Wallabies, which he led to the final at the 2003 World Cup as coach from 2001 to 2005. Jones, thanked by England in December, signed a long-term contract until the next World Cup, in 2027 in Australia.
In addition to coaching the Wallabies, he will oversee the Wallaroos (women's team) program.
He will thus replace the New Zealander Dave Rennie, at the head of Australia for three seasons, dismissed after only five victories in 14 test matches last year.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for me to return to Australia and lead my nation to the Rugby World Cup," said Eddie Jones, 62, who will take over on January 29.
"If we can get everyone fit and healthy, I'm sure we can go to France and end 24 years of World Cup drought," he continued.
To do this, he will have to find the recipe for success that he seems to have lost over the years with the XV de la Rose which he led from 2016 to 2022. Before being sacked by the English Federation, the former coach Japan had just led England to their worst season since 2008, with six out of twelve test matches lost.
Eddie Jones himself questioned last month his ability to bounce back and regain the lead of a nation at a World Cup, after several trying years following his successes: a Grand Slam in 2016 and a Cup final of the world in Japan in 2019, lost against South Africa.
"If someone comes to me with an offer I can't refuse, then I'll consider it," he added.
"Eddie's deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our players and their backgrounds will take the team to the next level," said Hamish McLennan.