Eddie Jones has been appointed the new head coach of England Rugby.
The former Australia coach – who was with the Wallabies during England’s World Cup success in 2003 – has been signed as Stuart Lancaster’s replacement on a four-year contract.
Jones will take charge of England ahead of their opening RBS 6 Nations game against Scotland at Murrayfield on 6 February and becomes the first non-Englishman to get the job.
After a disappointing Rugby World Cup where the hosts failed to advance from their group, England have turned to the Australian in a bid to improve their fortunes.
Jones has managed Japan in the past as well as having filled a technical advisor’s role with South Africa.
He had just begun with Springboks’ Super Rugby side, Stormers, but agreed to return to international management, telling England Rugby:
“The opportunity to take the reins in, possibly, the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day however, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity.”
He can enjoy the pressures that come with such opportunities now.
