Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has confirmed he would “definitely be interested” in the Japan job after his controversial exit from the Aussie gig.
It comes as Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan declared he would be “bitterly disappointed” if the links between Jones and Japan, as were widely reported, proved to exist.
Jones, who previously coached Japan between 2012-15, will have to wait another month for his second interview reports the SMH having angrily denied any link to the role during his final weeks as Australia’s coach.
BOXING: Nikita Tszyu v Dylan Biggs WED 22nd NOV 7PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
But Jones first spoke to Japanese media when he arrived in Tokyo on Monday, and then again in Yokohama, telling Kyodo News: “I’ve had no offer, let’s be clear.
“If they (Japan) came to me and said, ‘Are you interested in coaching them?’ I’d definitely be interested.”
It was reported Jones had interviewed with Japan before the recent Rugby World Cup, though he has denied conducting a Zoom interview, or having any plan to interview with Japan again.
“Japan can’t stay where they are because if they stay where they are, they’ll actually start to slide. So they’ve got to make a big push now,” Jones said.
“You’re going to have to be courageous and you’re going to have to do things differently. You can’t just go along and do what you’re doing now. So that’s the reason I would be interested.”
Jones shifts blame to RA for shock exit | 02:08
The Wallabies’ search for their next coach is underway.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to see all the facts (about Jones’ exit),” McLennan told Stan Sport.
“If it’s true, I’d be bitterly disappointed knowing the faith and the support that we’d been given the entire coaching crew and the Wallabies.
“I’ve spoken to his (Jones’) agent about it. He claims he’s got nothing to go to and he’s been quite adamant about that and I’ve read his press reports … I take that on face value.
“I think in the near future I might be able to learn more about what happened. Certainly the Herald believe there is absolute truth in that. I think in the fullness of time we will find out what’s happened.”
Discussion about this post