Eddie Jones to continue coaching role in Japan
England's Eddie Jones during the Six Nations rugby union tournament match between France and England at the stade de France, in Saint Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on February 2, 2020. Photo by Christian Liewig /ABACAPRESS.COM
The 2023 Rugby World Cup draw has not compromised Eddie Jones’ consultancy position at Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath, the Rugby Football Union have stated.
England were placed alongside Japan in Pool D, leading to questions over the role their head coach has had in Asia and whether there was a conflict of interest.
The RFU have previously said that they are comfortable with Jones’ position at Suntory and that has not changed, despite the next global tournament pitting the two nations against each other.
Committed for over 20 years
“Eddie has had a consultancy agreement with Suntory for over 20 years. We have been aware and comfortable with that since he joined the RFU. He provides consultancy in his holidays and this role is in no way a conflict with his England team priorities,” an RFU spokesperson said.
Jones has played a significant role in the Brave Blossoms’ rise in the sport, leading them into the 2015 World Cup where they memorably stunned South Africa 34-32.
The former Australian head honcho also coached Suntory in 1997 and between 2009 and 2012, before taking up the position with the Japan national team.
Following their success in ’15, Jones was headhunted by the RFU and has since led the Red Rose to three Six Nations titles and a World Cup final in 2019.