- Eddie Jones was a big omission from a Wallabies video
- The 63-year-old has been linked with a shock exit from Australia
- Japanese media claim he is close to leaving the Wallabies
The Wallabies have released a video thanking fans for their support during the World Cup, but there is no sign of Eddie Jones in an important sign of the coach’s future.
Jones oversaw a disastrous campaign for the Australians who were relegated to the pool stage after defeats to Fiji and Wales in France.
The former England manager returned to Australia just nine months ago, but his future is clouded by uncertainty amid links to the Japan manager’s vacancy.
Jones reportedly underwent a secret interview before the tour began, while Japanese media claim he is expected to ditch the Wallabies for the Brave Blossoms.
And a video released by Rugby Australia has given another sign that Jones may not be in charge for much longer.
Eddie Jones was a big absentee in a video released by the Wallabies
A message from captain Will Skelton was posted on the Wallabies’ Twitter page in which he thanked Australia’s fans for their support during the doomed tour.
While the video saw comments from fans criticizing them for the dull nature of the clip, eagle-eyed viewers noticed a major omission from the editing.
There was no Eddie Jones.
Jones strongly denied links to Japan while Rugby Australia backed the coach when the story first emerged, but reports in Japan claim confidence in the 63-year-old has deteriorated since their departure.
Ahead of the Japanese report, Jones privately assured rugby boss Phil Waugh that he is committed to the Wallabies job, while his assistant Pierre-Henry Broncan said Jones will only stay if he can see real potential for growth.
“If he doesn’t have the means or if he thinks things will continue as before, he will have a hard time staying,” he said. “If he feels a real desire from Rugby Australia to create a high-performance environment, I think he’ll be there.”
The 63-year-old is said to be leaving Australia for the job in Japan
Jones coached Japan from 2012 to 2015 and oversaw a remarkable World Cup campaign in which they beat South Africa.
He is married to a Japanese woman and has a close relationship with Japanese rugby boss Masato Tsuchida.
When asked about Japan’s initial connections, Jones replied: ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about mate.
“I shame people who question my commitment to working in Australia.”
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