ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Eddie Jones' reported to have second interview with Japan

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Friday Dec 8, 2023

Former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones is in contention for a return as the head coach of the Japanese national rugby team, the Brave Blossoms.

ADVERTISEMENT

The seasoned coach, who previously led Japan from 2012 to 2015, recently underwent a second interview for the position, signalling his interest in guiding the team through the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. However, Jones faces stiff competition from Frans Ludeke, a highly experienced South African coach.

The meeting between Eddie Jones and Japanese officials took place in person at the Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo on Thursday, per reports in the Sydney Morning Herald.

During this encounter, the 63-year-old engaged in discussions with Japan Rugby Union president Masato Tsuchida and CEO Kensuke Iwabuchi. This follows a previous virtual meeting on August 25, which Jones allegedly held with Japanese representatives ahead of the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup campaign.

Despite consistent denials from Jones, reports suggest that this meeting occurred before Australia’s critical clash with Wales, which ultimately resulted in a 40-6 defeat and their premature exit from the tournament.

Eddie Jones had previously led the Wallabies during the World Cup, but the disappointing performance against Wales marked the end of his tenure.

Departing 10 months into a five-year contract, Jones cited issues within Rugby Australia for his exit. Now, he is eager to take the reins of the Brave Blossoms once again and lead them into the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

ADVERTISEMENT

Frans Ludeke, the other contender for the coaching role, currently coaches the Kubota Spears and boasts success with the Bulls in Super Rugby, winning consecutive titles in 2009 and 2010. While Ludeke may lack extensive international coaching experience, his achievements in domestic competitions and brief stints with the Springboks and Fiji add weight to his candidacy.

Two Wallabies players, Lalakai Foketi and Angus Bell, have shared their thoughts on the potential return of Eddie Jones. Foketi acknowledged that it would be disheartening to see Jones take the helm of the Brave Blossoms but praised his dedication and efforts to improve Australian rugby.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I think it would hurt a little bit just because of all the chat around [it] before [the Wales game],” Foketi told reporters.

“You can’t fault his effort and his drive and want to make Australian rugby better. So we really respected him and respect him.

ADVERTISEMENT

“So I guess if that (Japan job) happens then good on him.”

Bell, expressing personal disappointment at Jones’ departure, emphasised the positive impact the coach had on his individual development.

“I was personally disappointed, I really liked Eddie,” the prop said.

“He got the best out of me as an individual and a player and I really enjoyed being under him and coached by him and the rest of the staff with ‘Hats’ (Neal Hatley) as the scrum and forwards coach.

“It is disappointing seeing them go because they are quality coaches and we can see in parts there we are a great team but we weren’t able to put it together for 80 minutes at all.” Bell concluded.

When asked if the reports surrounding Jones’ future played a role in the Wallabies’ World Cup defeat to Wales, Bell dismissed the notion, emphasising the team’s focus on the competition. He praised Jones for his commitment and the behind-the-scenes efforts to propel the team forward, stating that the coach did everything possible for the group.

“Not really,” he responded. “Again, there’s plenty of media, there’s always articles that are released that aren’t positive or have a negative impact on people.

“I guess we had bigger fish to fry in the competition … so, no, I don’t think it affected us at all. We knew Eddie was committed with how much he was doing behind the scenes and what he was doing for the group.” Bell concluded.

Related Articles

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 DAY AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 110 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 110 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 133 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All