Eddie Jones says he will “look at all” coaching opportunities available to him as the sacked England boss plots the next step in his career.
It has been reported that Jones, who parted ways with the Roses with a 73% win record, is set to be approached by Rugby Australia to help the Wallabies at France 2023.
The former Japan coach was also previously linked to the USA Eagles job, which is now vacant after Gary Gold stepped down in the wake of failing to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
Jones previously served as a consultant to the Boks under Jake White in 2007, helping South Africa win the World Cup for a second time, and there’s been more radical talk that Rassie Erasmus should snap him up as part of the Bok management team for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 62-year-old Jones said no job is too big or too small for him to consider – he once said he would “jump” at the chance to coach an Australian rugby league side – as he prepares to “scrap” for his next challenge.
“In this job I’ve learnt it’s impossible to avoid being moved on. It comes with the gig. But I’m proud of what we accomplished in my time here [with England] and I wish I had the opportunity to finish what I started,” he said.
“All the critics are having their say,” Jones added. “My only response is that I have coached a certain way my whole career and I’m happy with that, and I’m not about to change anything when it comes to my dedication, expectations and determination to get things done. I’m not going to get into anything more than that.
“As for my next step, well I think everyone knows I love a scrap and I’m up for whatever challenge is next. I’m open to looking at everything in rugby and I’ve made no secret of my wish to give the NRL a go, too. Nothing is off the table. Nothing. It’s all about the right job at the right time and I’ll look at it all.”
Jones was famously confirmed as England coach in 2015 following his shock departure from the DHL Stormers after being at the helm of the Cape side for just 19 days.
Photo: Mark Evans/Getty Images
