What World Cup disaster? Under-fire Wallabies coach Eddie Jones looks carefree as he lunches with rugby friends Jason Ryles and Rod Kafer
His Wallabies may have failed spectacularly at the Rugby World Cup in France, but that didn’t stop coach Eddie Jones from having a worry-free lunch in Coogee on Wednesday.
Jones, 63, was joined by former Australian rugby stars Rod Kafer and Wallabies attack coach Jason Ryles in eastern Sydney as the possible sporting identities discussed may have been in the Northern Hemisphere.
It comes after Jones confirmed on Tuesday that he will remain as coach of the Wallabies and committed to going to the next World Cup on home soil in 2027, amid speculation over his future.
Jones fronted the media at Coogee Oval to answer questions about a potential coaching gig in Japan and the Wallabies’ disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign.
“I’m committed to Australian rugby, I want to leave it in a better place and that’s still the job,” Jones said.
His Wallabies may have failed spectacularly at the Rugby World Cup in France, but that didn’t stop coach Eddie Jones from having a worry-free lunch in Coogee on Wednesday.
Wallabies attack coach and former NRL star Jason Ryles (left) for a bite to eat with Jones in Sydney’s east
Jones was at his animated best (pictured) while deep in conversation with Ryles
When asked whether he wanted to continue with the current team to the next World Cup, Jones was certain of his future plans.
‘100 percent…..’If you look at the number of players we’ve taken to the World Cup, the number of players who have yet to reach their peak… there are a number of players there who are just about to start of their international career,” he said.
“I think most of them showed in the World Cup that they have what it takes to really progress and be really good players for Australia. We throw in a few other players from around the world and we have a core of a very good team.
‘That’s the most positive thing.’
When asked about the Wallabies’ disappointing performance in France, Jones was generally blunt.
‘We just weren’t good enough. You just have to watch the quarter-finals at the weekend. We are not at that level and we cannot pretend that we are at that level,” he told reporters.
‘Can we be there in 2027? Yes we can.’
Jones told reporters that he stands by all the decisions he has made since he has been in the position since January
Wallabies coach says the squad he picked in France just wasn’t good enough, but the future looks bright
Jones also denied recent media reports linking him to a coaching job in Japan
The 63-year-old is said to have held talks with the Brave Blossoms ahead of the World Cup and reports in Japan suggest he is expected to take over despite becoming Wallabies coach earlier this year.
Jones denied speaking to Japanese rugby and said he did not know where the messages came from.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone,” he said.
The embattled coach said he also understood why rugby fans would be frustrated by the recent campaign.
‘Yes, look, we feel their pain. We feel the pain of all supporters. And we really appreciate the great support we have had for the team in France and back in Australia,” he said.
‘But… sometimes the change you have to undergo is uncomfortable, and quite difficult.
“And sometimes you have to go through this to get to a better state. And I believe that the problems we have had – especially with the national team – will put us in a better state in the future.”