England keen to keep Eddie Jones until 2023 World Cup

David Skippers

England are set to hold talks with Eddie Jones about the prospect of him continuing as their head coach until the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney is keen for Jones to see out his contract – which expires in 2021 – and hinted at the prospect of a new deal being agreed that will keep the Australian in his position until France 2023.

England suffered a 32-12 defeat to South Africa in Saturday’s World Cup final but beat Australia and New Zealand en route to reaching the Yokohama showpiece.

Jones has also masterminded one Grand Slam and a Six Nations title since taking over the reins as England coach from Stuart Lancaster at the end of 2015 and Sweeney still views him as the best candidate for the job.

“Eddie’s one of the world’s best coaches – if not the best – despite the result against South Africa,” Sweeney told AAP on Sunday.

“One of the first priorities when we get back will be to sit down and have a chat. We will do it as a matter of urgency.

“Eddie is committed to his contract through to the end of August 2021 and he is fulfilling that.

“There are a lot of emotions flying around after a game so let the dust settle a little bit and then see where his head’s at, see how he feels about it.

“But the first step is to honour that contract through to 2021 and then we’ll discuss what goes on beyond that.”

When asked about the wisdom of appointing a coach for an entire World Cup cycle rather than a two-year stint, Sweeney replied: “It makes sense doesn’t it?

“If you’re going to go through to France 2023 it’s nice to have that unbroken stretch, but both parties have got to be completely happy with it.

“We just need to sit down when we get back, have a couple bottles of red wine and chat about where it goes.”

Australia and Fiji are also rumoured to be keen to acquire Jones’ services but it is the Wallabies job which could sway the 59-year-old when he decides on his future as there is some unfinished business regarding that role for him as he held the position from 2001 until he was fired in 2005.

Michael Cheika resigned as Wallabies coach after Australia’s quarter-final loss to England a few weeks ago and Jones might be keen for a return to his former position.

“When you’re in Eddie’s position, you’re going to have people sniffing around and you can imagine the story Australia would put together,” said Sweeney.

“We can only control our relationship with him and we can only control what we will wrap around him to enable us to perform at our best.”

Sweeney believes there is growth left in the Jones regime following his success in reaching the World Cup Final especially after they were knocked of the 2015 World Cup at the group stage.

“Yeah, I do think so. He’s done a fantastic job with this squad – look where we were at the last tournament,” he added.

“I don’t think those scars will ever go from not getting out of the group but look what he’s done to bring the team here and some of the risks he’s taken.

“He’s unearthed some fantastic players who have huge careers ahead with England. He gets on well with that squad, he’s committed to England rugby, so he’s got an awful lot more to offer yet.”