Eddie Jones was given the support of his bosses after saying he could revive England’s fortunes ahead of next year’s World Cup following a disappointing Six Nations that ended in defeat by Grand Slam champions France.

The 25-13 reverse at a raucous Stade de France on Saturday meant that, for the second year in a row, England – one of rugby’s best resourced nations – had lost three out of five matches in a Championship campaign.

But a spokesperson for Jones’ paymasters at England’s governing Rugby Football Union said later Sunday they continued to “fully support” the veteran coach. Jones and his backroom staff would now conduct a “full review as is normal after each tournament”.

“The RFU continues to fully support Eddie, the coaching team and players and we are excited about the summer tour and the progress to rebuild a winning England team,” the spokesperson added.

Jones, the coach of an Australia team beaten by England in the 2003 World Cup final in his home town of Sydney, took England to the climax of Japan 2019, where they were overwhelmed 32-12 by South Africa.

The bulk of that side then helped England win the 2020 Six Nations, the third title of a Jones era that started with a 2016 Grand Slam.

But the coach is adamant a new-look squad is now required. “I’ve coached for long enough to know this is all about rebuilding a team,” he said.

“Look at the French team, it took them three years to win the Six Nations Championship (after the 2019 World Cup).

“We’ve rebuilt the side from the last Six Nations,” added Jones following a Championship where England finished third compared to last year’s lowly fifth. I think the progress is very positive and I couldn’t be more excited about the prospects for this team.”

© Agence France-Presse