Eddie Jones finally admits he’s interested in a job in Japan after landing in Tokyo, with the former Wallabies boss set for a second interview with Brave Blossoms
- Eddie Jones has admitted he is interested in the Japan job
- The former Wallabies boss denied reports of a secret interview
- But he has a second interview with Japanese bosses in December
After denying any links to the Japan head coach role, Eddie Jones has admitted he is ‘definitely interested’ in the Brave Blossoms vacancy.
Jones, 63, denied reports claiming he had held talks with Japanese rugby bosses ahead of the World Cup in France, with the Australian in charge of the Wallabies at the time.
He has since resigned from Rugby Australia, likening the job to “eating s***” after less than ten months in the role.
In an interview with Kyodo News, Jones has now changed his tune and publicly stated his desire to return to the Japanese team.
“I haven’t had an offer, let’s be clear,” he said after arriving in Tokyo for a holiday with his wife.
Eddie Jones has admitted he is ‘definitely interested’ in the coaching job in Japan
“I don’t know what the future holds and I can’t talk about the future.”
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Jones has been invited for a second interview, which will take place in Tokyo in December with a panel of JRFU officials.
He is still paid by Rugby Australia until November 25, but has outlined his plans for the Brave Blossoms.
“Japan cannot stay where they are because if they stay where they are, they will actually start to slide. So they have to take a big step now,” he said.
‘You’ll have to be brave and do things differently. You can’t just go ahead and do what you’re doing now. That’s why I would be interested.’
Jones’ comments come after Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan admitted he would be ‘bitterly disappointed’ if his former coach returned to Japan.
Jones, 63, left the Wallabies last month and is looking forward to the job with the Brave Blossoms
“Hopefully I can see all the facts,” McLennan said. “If true, I would be bitterly disappointed knowing the confidence and support we had received from the entire coaching team and the Wallabies.
“I talked to his (Jones’) agent about it. He claims he has nowhere to go and he’s been quite adamant about that and I’ve read his press releases… I’m taking that at face value.
‘I think I might be able to find out more about what happened in the near future. Certainly, the Herald believes there is absolute truth in that. I think we’ll find out what happened in the near future.’