Search icon

Sport

20th Nov 2015

England Rugby turns to southern hemisphere for Stuart Lancaster replacement

Confirmed

Conan Doherty

Eddie Jones has been appointed the new head coach of England Rugby.

The former Australia coach – who was with the Wallabies during England’s World Cup success in 2003 – has been signed as Stuart Lancaster’s replacement on a four-year contract.

Jones will take charge of England ahead of their opening RBS 6 Nations game against Scotland at Murrayfield on 6 February and becomes the first non-Englishman to get the job.

After a disappointing Rugby World Cup where the hosts failed to advance from their group, England have turned to the Australian in a bid to improve their fortunes.

Jones has managed Japan in the past as well as having filled a technical advisor’s role with South Africa.

He had just begun with Springboks’ Super Rugby side, Stormers, but agreed to return to international management, telling England Rugby:

“The opportunity to take the reins in, possibly, the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day however, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity.”

He can enjoy the pressures that come with such opportunities now.