Eddie Jones statement: Former England boss reacts to sacking
Rugby NewsTuesday, 06 December 2022 at 16:40
England have sacked Eddie Jones, leaving the team without a head coach nine months before the Rugby World Cup.
During his time in charge Jones steered England to three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016, two series wins in Australia, an unbeaten run of 18 matches, an Autumn Nations Cup, and a Rugby World Cup final in Japan.
"I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team’s performance in the future," said Jones in his short departure statement.
"Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers."
The decision for Jones to leave was taken by the RFU board earlier today. Speaking about the decision, RFU Chair, Tom Ilube said: "The independent review panel regularly updates board on its discussions and findings. We are fully supportive of its process and recommendations."
Below, RUCK takes a look at the five current favourites to land the role permanently according to Betfair.
Eddie Jones facts:
- In 1994 Jones gave up his career as a teacher and school principal to coach his former club Randwick
- Jones previously coached Australia between 2001 and 2005, taking the team to the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final.
- He played a minimal role with South Africa when the Springboks won the 2007 Rugby World Cup and from 2012 to 2015 he coached Japan, leading them in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and their upset win over South Africa
- The hooker made three appearances for Leicester during the 1991/92 season in England
- In November 2015 Jones was appointed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to the bank’s advisory board in Japan
Next England Rugby Head Coach odds:
#8. Gareth Southgate - 500/1
#7. Jonny Wilkinson - 50/1
#6. Sir Clive Woodward - 30/1
Sir Clive Woodward watches Chelsea v Manchester United from the stands at Stamford Bridge. - Photo mandatory by-line: Dan Weir/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 18/04/15 - SPORT - Football- Chelsea v Manchester United - Premier League - Premiership - Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, London.
#5. Rob Baxter - 15/1
Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on 23 Apr. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Mark McCall - 10/1
#3. Scott Robertson - 4/1
Mike Brown, the former England fullback who captained the Barbarians against Harlequins, wrote in his Mail on Sundaycolumn that he was “convinced” Robertson would be the “perfect successor” to Jones.
Scott Robertson facts:
- Robertson showed huge ambition as he outlined a goal to win the World Cup with two different countries
- His position as a player was flanker and he played for Bay of Plenty, Perpignan, Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks
- Robertson is known for his post victory match break dancing routine
#2. Richard Cockerill - 3/1
#1. Steve Borthwick - 2/1
The former England captain worked with Jones for five years in the England set-up as forwards coach, and a further three years as assistant coach in Japan before that.
Having taken charge of the Tigers in 2020, Borthwick has overseen a huge turnaround at the club, transforming them from Premierships strugglers to pace-setters at the top of the table.
Steve Borthwick and Neal Hatley talk before the Guinness Six Nations Championship match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on February 23, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
As such, his is a name very much linked to the England post.
The Leicester job is the first head coaching gig in his career, however, so the 42-year-old would be thrown in very green.
Borthwick, who picked up 57 Test caps as a player between 2001 and 2010, recently said he has "enough on my plate" at Leicester, but if England did come calling, it would be hard for him to say no.
Sources suggest the Aussie will receive between £700,000 and £800,000 pay-out. To land Borthwick from Leicester would require a payout in the region of £200,000 to get Tigers to release him from his current contract.
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