‘This is treachery’ – Eddie Jones slammed for ‘secret job interview’ prior to the Rugby World Cup

Media in Australia are reporting that Eddie Jones held talks with another international team just prior to the Rugby World Cup.

The Sydney Morning Herald have claimed that Jones was interviewed on Zoom by Japanese officials on August 25.

That was just two days prior to their World Cup warm-up against France, which they lost 41-17.

The interview was allegedly with a view to returning to coach the Brave Blossoms following the global tournament, reprising the role he held between 2012 and 2015.

Japan are looking for a new boss with Jamie Joseph set to depart after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Long-term deal

Jones only returned to the Wallabies set-up in January, signing a five-year deal which would take him to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

However, the 63-year-old has hinted previously that he would leave the job following the 2023 competition, irrespective of how they fared.

These revelations in the Herald have understandably angered fans with Shane Horan writing on X, former known as Twitter: “Eddie, this is treachery Mate.”

Rugby Insight was also not happy, stating: “Get rid of him. Add Chris Webb and Hamish McLennan to the list as well.”

Meanwhile, 9 News Queensland reporter Michael Atkinson was shocked about the timing of the alleged job interview.

“Astonishing. For EJ to do this on the eve of a World Cup and just 9 months into a 5-year contract is incredibly disrespectful to Wallabies players; staff, RA officials and most importantly, fans. Some might say it’s ‘treason’…” he wrote.

Jones took over from Dave Rennie, who was sacked after presiding over a disappointing couple of years in charge, but one supporter wondered whether the governing body may regret dismissing the New Zealander.

“Canning Dave Rennie was a mistake. All things considered, I think he was doing alright with limited resources. Rugby Australia needs an overhaul from top to bottom. The last 5 years have been a circus,” Nic Woolley wrote.

Rugby Australia’s response

Rugby Australia dismissed the reports with chief executive Phil Waugh releasing a statement, but he decided not to comment further.

“I take people at their word and Eddie’s said there’s nothing in it. So, as far as I’m concerned, that’s the end of the story and everyone’s focus is on this weekend’s crucial game against Wales,” Waugh told AAP.

Jones has so far endured a dismal start to his second stint in charge of the Wallabies, losing six of his first seven games.

Their only victory came against Georgia in their first match of the World Cup but they followed that up with a 22-15 defeat to Fiji, which put their qualification hopes in doubt.

READ MORE: Eddie Jones facing the ‘reality’ of his job security post-Rugby World Cup