Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Eddie Jones becoming the new England head coach after Australia’s Michael Cheika ruled himself out of the running.
Jones, who coached Australia between 2001 and 2005, taking them to the World Cup final against England in 2003, is currently in charge of the South African Super Rugby side the Stormers.
The Rugby Football Union, seeking a replacement for Stuart Lancaster, has refused to “confirm or deny” who they have spoken to in relation to the job. But with England’s opening Six Nations fixture against Scotland only 51 days away, there is a need to move quickly.
One person who won’t be taking up the role, however, is Cheika who distanced himself from the job just a day after the Northampton director of rugby, Jim Mallinder, did likewise.
The RFU is targeting a coach with international experience following England’s disastrous World Cup performance, claiming no expense will be spared when replacing Lancaster. However, despite reports that Cheika had already been contacted by the RFU president, Jason Leonard, the possibility of him stepping into the breach appears minimal.
“No one from England has contacted me and they know that they can’t contact me because I’m committed to Australia and that’s where I want to be coaching,” he said. “I’ve watched this with a bit of amusement wondering why no one ever comes to the source and asks. That’s the way it is. I’m an Australian coaching Australia, it’s like the dream. There’s nothing that would make me change my mind. I never thought I’d be coaching Australia. I’m enjoying it and I want to do the best I can in this role for as long as I can.
“There are lots of good English coaches who could be coaching England for sure If you look like a guy like Dorian West at Northampton, he’s done such a good job with the scrum and forwards. Jim Mallinder, Rob Baxter, Dean Richards – I just think there are a lot of those guys who are typical of the English game and could do a lot for the team.”
