The former Australia and Japan coach had travelled to London for talks with the Rugby Football Union and, with the level of compensation for his release from his Stormers contract believed to have been negotiated, the 55-year-old’s four-year contract was completed on Friday morning. “That’s the rule and it’s going to stay that way so I’m happy with what I’ve got”, Jones told a news conference, suppressing something of a wry smile.
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“I’ve spoken to a South African World Cup victor who thought he was outstanding and said he revolutionised their backs play, gave great support and clarity to individual players and was fundamental to their success”.
Chris Robshaw was seen very much as Lancaster’s man, after being appointed captain for the former coach’s first game in charge against Scotland in 2012.
“I have already had contact from a few big-name coaches and I will, once again, look both internally and externally before continuing to plot the way ahead for Western Province Rugby and the Stormers”, Smal said on Friday (Saturday NZT).
Jones was presented as the new coach at Twickenham hours after the initial announcement and said he hasn’t decided who will be his assistants.
Jones, for example, was credited with implementing the rapid speed “ruck and run” rugby that helped Japan stage a stunning World Cup upset over Japan. Became increasingly influential under Stuart Lancaster but, whether his fault or not, always slightly awkward situation when it came to selection (or non-selection) of son Owen.
One issue that reared its head after England’s World Cup campaign was the non-consideration of players that do not compete in the Aviva Premiership. If you want to play for England, you play in the Premiership.
In his role as a guest columnist for the Daily Mail during the World Cup, Jones name-dropped Armitage as someone who would bolster England, writing: “Steffon Armitage is pretty hard and handy over the ball and would definitely bring that quality to the England side”.
“I only started the job today”, he said.
Cape Town – The Stormers will employ an attacking game style in next year’s Super Rugby competition, new coach Eddie Jones has promised.
“If they can offer what I want then they’re going to have a job”.
He is clearly a single-minded scrapper and has been known to divide opinion – there are players at Saracens, his former club, who have not spoken highly of his time there for example – but his decisive approach could be exactly what the England team needs after the apparent uncertainty of tactics under Stuart Lancaster. “I wish a lot of people would say what they feel”.
“Eddie’s track record of developing coaches throughout every job he’s had has been fantastic”, said Ritchie.
He had previously coached Australia to the 2003 World Cup Final and was an advisor to the South Africa team that won the 2007 edition of rugby’s showpiece event.
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“Eddie is a world-class coach, with extensive experience at the highest level with Australia, South Africa and Japan”.
