Eddie Jones: Ex-England boss appointed Australia head coach as Dave Rennie sacked

Eddie Jones was England head coach for seven years

Former England boss Eddie Jones has been appointed Australia head coach, replacing the sacked Dave Rennie.

Jones, who previously coached the Wallabies from 2001 to 2005, has signed a five-year deal through to 2027.

The 62-year-old was dismissed by England in December after seven years in the role.

He will start with Australia at the end of January, with his contract covering two World Cups and the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup,” said Jones.

“It is going to be an immense period for Australian rugby – as a proud Australian, it is a great honour to be able to come home and lead the national team during these years.

“The Wallabies squad is a really talented group of players with good depth – if we can have everyone fit and healthy going into the World Cup this year, I am confident that we can go to France and break the 24-year drought of winning the Rugby World Cup.”

Jones was sacked as England head coach on 6 December following a review into the side’s disappointing autumn campaign.

They recorded just one win from four matches, capping a year of dismal results with only five wins from 12 Tests in 2022. Steve Borthwick was named as Jones’ successor later in December.

Rennie, 59, took over from Michael Cheika as Australia head coach in 2020 but has been dismissed after picking up just five wins from 14 Tests in 2022.

More to follow.