Rugby Union news: Wallabies players ‘sh**ting themselves’ over Eddie Jones return

The Wallabies were shocked by the surprise axing of Dave Rennie, just eight-months before the Rugby World Cup, and admit they are nervous about the return of Eddie Jones.

Eddie Jones is back as the Wallabies coach, just eight months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Picture: Getty Images.

Australia’s players are ‘sh**ting themselves’ about Eddie Jones becoming new head coach eight months before the Rugby World Cup.

Jones, 62, was sacked by England last month after poor displays in the Autumn Series but last week he suddenly took over running of the Wallabies.

The whole squad were left shocked that Jones was replacing Dave Rennie as they build up to face Georgia, Fiji, Wales and Portugal in group action in the Finals in France this September and October.

And Jones’s hard-nosed attitude and intense, demanding reputation has been the talking point of the Aussie dressing room.

Eddie Jones is back as the Wallabies coach, just eight months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Picture: Getty Images.

Scrum-half Nic White said: “Obviously a few emotions there.

“We had just done a camp with Dave and set the scene around the World Cup and we had been with Dave for three years.

“Initially, you’re saddened that he is not able to take us through to the World Cup.

“But the guy coming in, Eddie Jones, an amazing coach, a guy who a lot of us admire what he’s done and are pretty excited.

“Excited and I guess everyone is kind of quietly, you know, (shitting) themselves about Eddie coming in.

“Mate, he’s a world class coach so there is a bit of excitement there but he is also a whole lot of unknown for us players. It has been a ride.”

While Nic White says the Wallabies are excited for the return of Eddie, the players are also nervous. Picture: Getty Images.

Ned Hanigan claimed the players only discovered the news at the same time as the public on January 16 when Rugby Australia dropped their bombshell press release.

The back-row said: “It has been a bit hectic. We were back in on Monday week and, yeah, we were in for a few medicals and got pulled in.

“News got delivered quite quickly. Rens is out, Eddie is in.

“Jaw hit the ground, it was all a bit of a shock. But it is an exciting year, nevertheless.”

Originally published as Rugby Union news: Wallabies players ‘sh**ting themselves’ over Eddie Jones return