‘Start doing a bit with them in Japan’: Eddie Jones opens up on coaching future

Two months on from the Wallabies’ disastrous pool stage exit at the Rugby World Cup, Eddie Jones has opened up about his future plans after resigning as Australia’s head coach last month.

Speculation, discussion and even widespread disappointment from fans have followed Jones since a disastrously unforgettable September night at Lyon’s OL Stadium.

Sitting in the press conference room after the Wallabies’ record 40-6 World Cup defeat to Wales, Jones was asked about a reported interview with Japan for their soon-to-be vacant head coach role.

Jones denied it – and has continued to do so for months.

At the end of October, Jones poured fuel onto the fire by stepping away from his role as the Wallabies’ boss just 10 months into a lucrative five-year deal with Rugby Australia. That caused quite a stir.

But weeks have come and gone and Jones remains a free agent.

The 63-year-old doesn’t seem concerned at all, though. In a recent interview with former NRL star James Graham, a smiling Eddie Jones reveals he’s happy to just “sit back” and see what happens.

“Given the disappointment of this job, it’s probably the first time I’ve decided I just need to sit back now,” Jones said on James Graham’s The Bye Round Podcast.

“I’ve been basically coaching since ’96. I’m just gonna sit back and if someone offers me a job I’ll have to make sure it’s the right job and if it is then I’ll give it a go.

“I’d like to keep coaching internationally, I don’t think I want to go back and coach club.

“If there’s not (an opportunity), I’ve been a consultant for Suntory since 1996 so it’s the longest relationship ever. I’ll go back, I’ll start doing a bit with them in Japan and then just wait and see mate.”

But one team Jones won’t be coaching for sure is the British and Irish Lions. The Lions are set to tour Australia in 2025, and while it would make for box office television if Jones was spearheading their campaign against the Wallabies, it doesn’t look like it’ll happen.

After a successful stint with England, the Rugby World Cup-winning consultant told Graham – who is a former England rugby league international – that he has “no time” for the other home unions.

“No interest, mate,” Jones said.

“I like the English, I liked coaching the English (but) I’ve got no time for the rest of them.

“No time for them, mate.”