be named as the next head coach of the Japanese national rugby team, according to Japanese media. This news comes after the Australian team, known as the Wallabies, had a disappointing performance in the Rugby World Cup and their coach Jamie Joseph resigned from his position.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Eddie Jones, the current Wallabies coach, had secretly interviewed for the Japanese rugby job during Australia’s World Cup preparations. However, both Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh and Jones himself denied these reports, calling them “bulls**t and gossip”.
Despite these denials, Japanese sports website Sponichi has reignited the speculation by naming Jones as the leading candidate for the Japanese head coach position. This is surprising considering that Jones recently signed a five-year contract with Rugby Australia.
If Jones were to take on the role, it would not be his first time coaching the Japanese national team. He previously held the position from 2012 to 2015 and had a successful tenure, leading the team to several historic victories, including a famous upset against South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Jones has a wealth of coaching experience, having also served as the head coach of England from 2015 to 2019. During his time with England, he led the team to great success, including a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2016 and a World Cup final appearance in 2019.
Many believe that Jones’s coaching style and expertise could greatly benefit the Japanese team, especially as they look to build on the momentum gained from their impressive performance in the recent Rugby World Cup. Under Joseph’s guidance, the Brave Blossoms, as the Japanese team is known, reached the quarterfinals of the tournament and won the hearts of rugby fans around the world with their exciting and fast-paced style of play.
However, there may be some complications if Jones were to take on the Japanese role. His current contract with Rugby Australia is set to run until 2023, and leaving before its completion could result in legal consequences. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty around international travel and tournaments, which could further complicate any potential coaching changes.
Nevertheless, the possibility of Jones becoming the next head coach of the Japanese national team has generated significant interest and speculation in the rugby world. It remains to be seen whether these rumors will materialize into an official announcement, but for now, fans and analysts will eagerly await any updates on this developing story.
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