In a surprising revelation reminiscent of a rugby plot twist, beleaguered Wallabies coach Eddie Jones found himself in the spotlight as it emerged that he had covertly engaged in discussions with Japanese rugby officials merely days prior to the commencement of the Rugby World Cup in France.
Jones, whose close ties with Japan are well-documented, having steered their national team from 2012 to 2015 and being wedded to a Japanese spouse, reportedly participated in a clandestine virtual rendezvous with representatives from Japan.
This rendezvous came as Japan sought to identify a successor for Jamie Joseph, set to step down as the head coach of the Japanese national team following the tournament.
The report, which surfaced in The Sydney Morning Herald on a Sunday, disclosed that Eddie Jones had joined the interview fray via Zoom on August 25th, all the way from the city of Paris.
This date, intriguingly, fell just two days prior to the Wallabies’ preparatory encounter with France, resulting in a 41-17 loss for the Australian squad.
It’s worth noting that Jones remains under contract with the Wallabies until 2027, prompting Rugby Australia’s head honcho, Phil Waugh, to offer his perspective on the matter. Waugh quashed the burgeoning speculations, stating firmly, “I take people at their word, and Eddie’s said there’s nothing in it.
“So, as far as I’m concerned, that’s the end of the story, and everyone’s focus is on this weekend’s pivotal clash against Wales.”
PARTNERS LINKS:
- Win a signed England jersey with Charles Tyrwhitt
- Find your local Greene King pub to watch the rugby
- Secure your seat for the Six Nations with viagogo
- Visit our World Cup travel guide with Omio
TIER ONE NATIONS RANKED BY NO. OF FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS:
Scotland (15)
WP Nel (South Africa), Pierre Schoeman (South Africa), Javan Sebastian (England), Ewan Ashman (Canada), Sam Skinner (England), Jack Dempsey (Australia), Hamish Watson (England), Ali Price (England), Ben White (England), Ben Healy (Ireland), Chris Harris (England), Cameron Redpath (France), Sione Tuipulotu (Australia), Kyle Steyn (South Africa), Duhan van der Merwe (South Africa).
Italy (11)
Ivan Nemer (Argentina), Hame Faiva (New Zealand), Dino Lamb (England), David Sisi (Germany), Toa Halafihi (New Zealand), Sebastian Negri (Zimbabwe), Martin Page-Relo (France), Juan Ignacio Brex (Argentina), Ange Capuozzo (France), Monty Ioane (Australia), Paolo Odogwu (England),
Wales (10)
Taulupe Faletau (Tonga), Tomas Francis (England), Dan Lydiate (England), Will Rowlands (England), Henry Thomas (England), Christ Tshiunza (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Gareth Anscombe (New Zealand), George North (England), Nick Tompkins (England), Johnny Williams (England),