Eddie Jones rugby news LIVE: England coach sacked with Steve Borthwick lined up as replacement
The RFU told the England coach his fate this morning and means they will need to appoint a new man nine months before the World Cup
Eddie Jones has been sacked as the head coach of England less than a year out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick set to replace him.
The Rugby Football Union decided to part ways with the Australian after seven years in charge, following a review of England’s dismal autumn results. An RFU statement confirmed the news, saying: “Following a review of the Autumn, Eddie Jones has been dismissed from the position of England Men’s Head Coach. In the interim, Richard Cockerill will take over the day to day running of the men’s performance team.”
Jones has recorded the best win rate of any England head coach but results had taken a turn as they entered the final year of the World Cup cycle. The dismissal is not without precedent as, in 2006 - just a year before the World Cup - Andy Robinson was relieved of his duties after autumn losses to New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa, with England going on to make the final of the following’s year’s global showpiece.
The current version of England were booed off following their 27-13 defeat to South Africa last month, their sixth loss of 2022, and the team have recorded their worst set of results since 2008 this year. It is now expected that Borthwick will take the helm with just nine months until the World Cup. A former England captain in his playing days, Borthwick led Tigers to the Gallagher Premiership title last season after taking over the role in 2020, having served as England’s forwards coach under Jones for five years from 2015.
Follow reaction to Jones’s sacking with our live blog below:
Who could replace Jones? - Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland had been linked with the role amid England’s poor form but he has stunningly returned to Wales, following the departure of Wayne Pivac on Monday.
The New Zealander signed a contract until 2027 to return to the job where he spent 12 years in charge, delivered four Six Nations titles and three grand slams. He will now look to revitalise Welsh rugby as head coach on a long-term deal rather than taking over at arch-rivals England.
The 59-year-old Gatland, who was director of rugby at Super Rugby side Chiefs before being bought out of his contract by the WRU, also coached the British & Irish Lions on three tours.
Who could replace Jones? - Steve Borthwick
The favourite to take over from Jones, should he be sacked, is Steve Borthwick - with just 10 months until the World Cup.
The 43-year-old Cumbrian skippered England during a 57-cap international career and was appointed Leicester Tigers boss in 202. He has overseen a startling transformation in the Tigers’ fortunes, highlighted by a Gallagher Premiership title triumph last season.
Before that, Borthwick served as England’s forwards coach under Jones for five years from 2015. Now the former No 2 could be stepping up to the top job.
It is not known whether Borthwick will keep Jones’s team of coaching assistants - including Richard Cockerill, Matt Proudfoot and Martin Gleeson - or bring in his own lieutenants, with the likes of Kevin Sinfield (defence), Aled Walters (strength and conditioning) and player-coach Richard Wigglesworth (attack) all highly regarded at Leicester.
Eddie Jones - latest
The Rugby Football Union’s review of a dismal autumn is understood to have concluded on Monday, with the RFU board now ready to ratify its decision.
That will be followed by a public announcement revealing whether the 62-year-old Australian will continue until the World Cup, which takes place in September-October, after which his reign – which began in 2015 – is contracted to end.
The review panel has regularly presented to the board during its investigation into what went wrong during an autumn that opened with defeat by Argentina, produced a solitary victory over Japan and a draw with New Zealand, and signed off with an abject collapse against the Springboks.
With the World Cup in France looming, England have left it late to potentially change their coach, yet the RFU may feel it has no alternative but to act.
Eddie Jones: England coach waits to learn fate amid reports he will be sacked
Eddie Jones looks set to discover on Tuesday whether he will continue in his role as England head coach, with speculation mounting that he will be sacked after presiding over the national team’s worst year since 2008.
Jones is fighting for his future after presiding over a disappointing 2023, consisting of six defeats, a draw and five wins – and ending with a comprehensive loss to South Africa on 26 November.
The Rugby Football Union’s review of a dismal Autumn Nations Series is understood to have concluded, with the RFU board now ready to ratify its decision.
That will be followed by a public announcement revealing whether the 62-year-old Australian will continue until the World Cup, which takes place in September-October, after which his reign – which began in 2015 – is contracted to end.
If he does not remain in the role, then the RFU will need to appoint a successor, with Leicester head coach and former England forwards specialist Steve Borthwick the front-runner.
Eddie Jones waits to learn fate amid reports England coach will be sacked
The Australian has been in charge of England since 2015 and has this year overseen the side’s worst period since 2008
Eddie Jones latest updates
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as England men’s rugby head coach Eddie Jones is set to find out about his future.
An RFU review panel met on Monday to decide whether Jones should continue as coach following a dismal 2022, with the RFU board set to ratify their decision today.
Jones is expected to be sacked after seven years in charge, with Steve Borthwick slated to take over.
Stick with us for full live coverage.
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