Eddie Jones insists he has no plans to retire when his England contract ends next year

Eddie Jones has confirmed he plans to continue coaching until the 2027 World Cup as he prepares for his final year as England manager.

The Australian in charge of the national team previously suggested he would like to retire to watch cricket after the 2023 global showpiece in France.

But now he’s decided there’s still a sense of expanding his testing career, which has played with the Wallabies, South Africa, Japan and England.

With the knockout stages of the next World Cup looming in 12 months, Jones was asked if this would be his last appearance in the sport’s major sports tournament and he said, ‘No. Certainly not. It won’t be. I can’t guarantee you that, but I don’t think so.’

Recalling his promise to retire and spend his time relaxing in Barbados, he added: “That’s true. But I think there is still something to do. There’s still some in the tank.’

There will be a lot of intrigue leading up to next year’s World Cup over where Jones is headed after ending his eight-year stint on the Red Rose side, having taken over at the end of 2015. He has been the subject of feverish speculation about a return Down Under to lead the Wallabies to the ultimate oval ball prize one more time, while there is evidence he could welcome the chance to inspire another developing country – as he did. in Japan.

Jones will likely have a management vacancy to fill after the upcoming fall series against Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham. His compatriot, Anthony Seibold, has been linked with a return to Australian rugby league, to take over as head coach of NRL side Manly Sea Eagles. Seibold is expected to be offered and accepted the role as he was only appointed by England in September last year.

The Australian, 62, plans to continue coaching until the 2027 World Cup

Meanwhile, Jones spoke about the selection scenario he faces ahead of a World Cup that will define his legacy as England head coach. Suggesting that he knows 80 per cent of the roster he wants to bring to France, he added: “We are probably more confident than we were in 2019. The good players have really come through.

‘But I’m combing through the (club) games. We want to have two or three guys come through that we haven’t seen yet, who can add something else. They can be great guys, great trainers, hard and physical… they are there. There are a lot of good players, but to win the World Cup, we have to turn those good players into great players.’

It is generally accepted that any team designing to win a World Cup requires a significant amount of testing experience. It also needs a core of world-class players. When asked if England have a lot of it, Jones added: ‘Guys like Curry and Itoje at their best. Genge is probably pushing against the window. Farrell, Freddie (Steward) maybe. There are guys staggering on the brink. But in 12 months that will be their chance.’