Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones has confirmed that he will be stepping down as Japan coach after the Rugby World Cup.
Jones also confirmed that he will not be taking up a permanent role with the new Japanese Super Rugby franchise, making the speculation of him joining the Stormers even more of a reality.
The former Australia coach said that his contract would not be renewed when it expires at the end of the year.
“The Union are going to announce this afternoon that I will not be continuing after 2015,” he was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
“That was always the case as my contract was until the end of the year, so all they are doing is stating the obvious.
“People assumed that as I had been named the Director of the new Super Rugby side I would stay on. But that was just an administrative role not a coaching role. All I was doing was help get it set up.”
The former Springbok assistant coach was ‘in talks’ with the Stormers just last week and there were rumours that he had signed a 2-year deal with the Cape Town outfit, but Jones said nothing had been put to paper.
The 55-year-old, who took over from John Kirwin in 2012 as the Brave Blossoms coach, insisted that a 4 year stint is enough for any coach to be at the helm of a team.
“I have coached for 20 years, and coached the Wallabies for 5 years. And in hindsight I should have left after 4” Jones said.
“4 Years is enough for an international coach and I have put a lot into this. It’s been one of the hardest jobs I have done.”
“Look at Clive Woodward – In 2003 he was the best coach in the world, but in 2004 it all ended in tears. Graham Henry has been the only exception. He had a side that usually won 95 % of their games. If it was down to 85 % it was a bad day. They are a bit different.”
Jones said he had informed the players of his decision earlier Tuesday and that he was hopeful the whole squad could remain focused on performing well at the Rugby World Cup.
“My focus was always to change Japanese rugby history and ensure Japan was a serious rugby nation by the time I left.
“The decision doesn’t change anything we have done or are going to do,” added Jones.
“The players aren’t thinking past the World Cup. We are just focused on what we have to do.
“And by making the decision now, it’s a great opportunity for the JRFU to find a new person with a new perspective and new ideas so he can build a team towards 2019.”
Japan will host the next Rugby World Cup in 2019.
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