After Rennie’s departure, Jones was appointed Wallabies coach by Jones

Rugby Australia Monday fired Dave Rennie as coach, eight months after the World Cup. Eddie Jones was appointed his replacement in “a major coup”.

Jones will take over the reins for Jones’s second tenure in charge, following his 2001-2005 spell that saw him lead Australia to the 2003 World Cup Final.

After just five wins in 14 Tests last season, Rennie, a New Zealander was fired. Rennie was in charge for three years.

Rumours had circulated that Jones, an Australian, might be brought into the Wallabies organization. However, Rennie last week said it would not happen and that he wouldn’t work with Jones.

Jones, who was dumped in December by England, will start on Jan 29 with a contract which will last him until the 2027 World Cup. This contract also includes supervision of the women’s Wallaroos programmes.

He stated that his goal was to win this year’s World Cup in France.

The 62-year old said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for my to be able come home to Australia to lead my country to a rugby World Cup,”

“It’s going to be a huge period for Australian Rugby — as a proud Australian it is a great honor to be able to return home and lead our national team during this time.”

“The Wallabies squad has a lot of talent and good depth.

“If everyone is fit and healthy, we can win the Rugby World Cup in France. This will end the 24-year-old drought.

“I look forward to going home and getting back to work.”

England fired Jones after Jones presided over England’s worst season since 2008. The team lost six of the 12 Tests and won five.

He explained that the past year had taken its toll on him and it would prove difficult to bounce back to coach another World Cup team.

He said, however, that if someone is willing to come forward with an offer that’s too good not to accept then I’ll take a look.”

– Hard work –

Hamish McLennan of Rugby Australia said it was a major coup to bring Jones home.

“Eddie has a deep understanding of our rugby system, knowledge of our player group, and pathways will lift us to the next level,” he said.

“Eddie intuitively knows the Australian game of rugby. This represents a chance to hire a coach who has vast experience in leading the biggest competitions and is a great fit for us.

Rennie is being linked to a move to Japan’s Kobe Steelers, but he denied claims last week that any deal had been made.

Andy Marinos (Racing Australia chief) paid tribute Rennie’s “hardwork and effort”.

He said, “Dave was instrumental in developing many of the depths that we see in the current Wallabies team”

Dave’s opportunities have given us many players who are real World Cup potential.

Dave’s contributions have made a significant impact on this group of players. He has influenced the team’s work ethic, spirit, and conduct.

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