- Eddie Jones to discuss his coaching future on Tuesday
- Wallabies coach has been linked with Japan job
- Jones oversaw a terrible World Cup campaign in France
Eddie Jones has been urged to “be honest” about his coaching intentions, with the embattled Wallabies boss set to reveal his plans on Tuesday.
Jones will address the media on Tuesday morning, with speculation rife that he has agreed to become Japan’s head coach. The 63-year-old is understood to have held talks with the Brave Blossoms ahead of the World Cup and reports in Japan suggest he is set to take over, despite becoming Wallabies coach earlier this year.
Australian rugby legend Mark Ella, a close friend of Jones, believes he will coach the Wallabies until 2027 but wants him to be transparent with fans.
“I found it strange,” he said of the Japan ties via News Corp. “You don’t come to Australia from England and within six months you’re looking for another job.
‘I don’t know. We will all know soon. He will face the Australian media (Tuesday). He needs to be honest and tell the media and rugby fans exactly what is going on.
Eddie Jones will be clear on his future with the Wallabies on Tuesday morning
The Australian coach oversaw a terrible World Cup campaign and has been linked with Japan
Ella admitted that speculation about Japan is a bad idea for her close friend. Jones has signed a $5 million contract with Rugby Australia to coach the team until 2027, but could step down much sooner than that date.
“It probably would, but I can’t speak for Eddie,” Ella said.
“I hope he meets the press, that he tells them the truth, that he will be here for another four or five years.”
Despite her confidence in Jones’ commitment to the project, Ella offered a possible replacement for the under-fire coach if he left.
“Eddie has a good reputation, he has coached all over the world. If Australian rugby thinks it can get someone better than Eddie, go for it,” Ella said.
“Sheik is another guy from Randwick, and I’m not sure he’s the one we have. It’s up to Eddie and Rugby Australia.
Jones’ close friend Mark Ella called on the coach to ‘be honest’ about his intentions
“I think he’ll stay. I don’t think he’s a guy who wants to give up so easily. He only had six months, he tried to change teams, and that’s great, but he needs more time. It’s that simple.
“She’s still a grumpy little person. When he’s under pressure, you’ll be grumpy, because people immediately want to know why the team isn’t playing well. I’m going to ask Eddie the same question and ask him, “What went wrong?”
“He has to find the right answer. If he doesn’t do it, we might as well turn to Japan.
