Inside Eddie Jones’ first day in return as Wallabies coach as he gets a cheeky welcome from staff

The last time Eddie Jones was in Sydney as a rugby official, he was branded a traitor and got into a heated altercation with an Australian fan, but on Monday he returned to a hero’s welcome that included cake, a suit fitting and a New car. .

The new Wallabies manager had much to celebrate as he returned to the top job after an 18-year absence and also marked his 63rd birthday and homecoming to Australia.

It was his first day on the job after taking over from David Rennie, and Jones took the time to tour the NSW Waratahs’ Allianz Stadium for the Sydney Sevens on Sunday.

Jones takes time out to speak to young rugby fans at the Sydney Sevens at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday in his official return as Wallabies manager ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Jones was happy to sign autographs for the dazzled young fans, but said work would start immediately with just eight months until the Wallabies compete in Paris.

The veteran coach was like a kid in a candy store, happily signing autographs, meeting young fans and taking a tour of the Rugby Australia building and indoor training facility.

‘I’m here mingling, buddy,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday.

‘I will start meeting with Rugby Australia staff and Wallabies staff [on Monday]. We already have a little plan of when we will leave for the United States.

“I’ve spoken to some of the veteran players on the phone, but obviously it’s more beneficial to meet them face to face.”

Jones and the custom sprinkle-covered cake presented to him on his 63rd birthday, which was also his first day in charge as Wallabies coach again.

Jones arrived at Rugby Australia’s Moore Park base on Monday, where he was greeted with a personalized birthday cake and staff singing happy birthday to him.

He was also given his company vehicle, a new Land Rover from a sponsor.

While there were plenty of smiles, the company vehicle is expected to cover several thousand miles as Jones gets to work transforming the Wallabies into a World Cup contender.

Jones (center) in his first stint as Wallabies manager with the likes of Brendan Cannon, Matt Burke and former captain George Gregan.

‘Everyone is excited about the chance for Australian rugby to do well. I feel very honored to be given this responsibility,’ he said.

‘We want to be on the front page winning.

‘We want to see the headlines: ‘Wallabies win Bledisloe Cup for first time in 22 years’.’