Dave Rennie sacked as Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones returns in world-first role

Eddie Jones will lead the Wallabies at this year’s World Cup, turning down a mega deal with Japan to take on a unique coaching position with Rugby Australia.

Eddie Jones will return as Wallabies coach, replacing Dave Rennie. Picture: Getty Images

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has been sacked and Eddie Jones will now lead Australia at this year’s World Cup.

Jones, who previously took Australia to the final in 2003, believes the Wallabies can win the World Cup to be held in France this September.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup,” Jones said.

“It is going to be an immense period for Australian rugby – as a proud Australian, it is a great honour to be able to come home and lead the national team during these years.

“The Wallabies squad is a really talented group of players with good depth – if we can have everyone fit and healthy going into the World Cup this year, I am confident that we can go to France and break the 24-year drought of winning the Rugby World Cup.”

As exclusively revealed by The Weekend Australian, Jones had been offered a contract by Rugby Australia with rugby powerbrokers after being infuriated by Rennie’s coaching style.

Rennie’s selection policy and allegations he repeatedly failed to listen to advice from the RA’s rugby committee frustrated key leaders at Rugby HQ.

It was also Rennie’s press conference last week - when the New Zealander publicly flatly refused to work with Jones if he was appointed by Rugby Australia in a role - that helped seal his fate. Rennie also had a 38 per cent win rate.

Dave Rennie has been sacked by Rugby Australia. Picture: Getty Images

Despite being axed by England before Christmas, Jones produced the best record of any England rugby coach in history – he won 59 out of 81 Tests with his 73 per cent average.

Jones led England to 18 straight wins which is the world record for a tier one rugby country. He steered England to win three Six Nations tournaments, one grand slam and took them to the 2019 World Cup final in Japan.

Jones has turned down a ‘mega deal’ with Japan in favour of coaching Australia and has made no secret the Wallabies have the potential to win the World Cup in France.

In a world-first Jones will coach both the Wallabies and the Wallaroos.

“I saw how gutsy the Wallaroos were in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year – it looks like there is a real spirit in that group that will drive the women’s program forward ahead of their next World Cup in 2025,” Jones said.

“I am really looking forward to getting back home and getting stuck in.”

RA Chairman Hamish McLennan, who orchestrated bringing back Jones and is a huge fan of his coaching, finally secured the former Wallabies mentor’s signature on the weekend.

“It is a major coup for Australian Rugby to have the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and to oversee the Wallaroos program,” McLennan said.

“Eddie’s deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level.

“Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby – this represents an opportunity to secure a coach of immense expertise and experience at the biggest competitions, and we did not want to miss it.”

RA CEO Andy Marinos thanked Rennie for his service.

“I would like to thank Dave for his hard work and effort with the Wallabies – we are grateful for all that he has done for Australian rugby,” Marinos said.

“Dave has been instrumental in developing much of the depth that we see in and around the current Wallabies squad; there are a number of players that are genuine World Cup possibilities because of opportunities that Dave has provided.

“The work ethic, the spirit within the group, and the way the team carries itself are all a direct result of Dave’s input – he has made a real mark on this group of players.”