Eddie Jones has really let down the Australian rugby community with his decision to leave the Wallabies. He talked about a four-year journey to the next Rugby World Cup, but it turns out he was never fully committed to that plan. Instead, he was already planning his exit strategy and had no intention of seeing out his five-year contract. This is a betrayal of the players he took to France and those he left behind. It’s also a betrayal of the Australian rugby fans, especially the young boys and girls who believed in Jones’ vision. And to make matters worse, there are allegations that he was interviewing to coach Japan. It’s clear that Jones doesn’t care about the team or the sport. He only cares about himself.
Before leaving for France, Jones made a spectacle of himself at the airport, telling journalists to give themselves an uppercut. But now, it’s Jones who deserves the uppercut. The Wallabies’ poor performance at the Rugby World Cup is on his shoulders, along with the chairman of Rugby Australia, Hamish McLennan, who brought him back to Australia. McLennan’s decision to sack Dave Rennie and hire Jones was a terrible mistake. It has set back the team’s preparations and damaged the reputation of Australian rugby.
Now, the question is, who would want to work with Rugby Australia? The organization’s reputation is in tatters, and it will be difficult to find a coach who is willing to take on the Wallabies in their current state. Dan McKellar, who was previously considered for the role, has already declined the offer. Other potential candidates, like Robbie Deans, are unlikely to be interested. The Wallabies’ ranking has plummeted under Jones, and it will be a tough sell to convince someone to take on the challenge.
If Rugby Australia wants to attract a viable applicant, they will need to give them full control over coaching and selection decisions. Michael Cheika, who previously coached the Wallabies, would likely demand this level of control. Another option could be Stephen Larkham, who has experience as a Wallabies assistant and with Munster.
In the end, the only positive thing to come out of this debacle is that Australian rugby can finally move on from Jones. His time as coach has been a disaster, and he has only made the sport a laughing stock. It’s clear that he was never truly committed to making meaningful change. Australian rugby deserves better.