Dave Rennie's sacking as Australia head coach last night, and the subsequent announcement of the appointment of Eddie Jones, came as a surprise to many, and only added to the soap operalike state of international rugby.
Interestingly, Rennie was recently asked about the possibility of Eddie Jones joining his coaching staff ahead of the World Cup, but was adamant that there would be no shake up in his coaching staff.
These comments, as they say, have aged like sour milk.
As we know, there is an enormous amount of speculation at this time of year.
I haven’t spoken to Hamish [McLennan, RA chairman] recently, so I can’t really comment much on it.
It won’t happen before [the Rugby World Cup].
There’s a fair bit of speculation about a lot of things, but my focus is on this group and the World Cup. Anything else happening beyond that will be clarified over the next few months.
We’ve had no discussions around that. There’s no plan to make alterations to the coaching group at this stage. I haven’t spoken to Hamish and haven’t spoken to Andy [Marinos, RA chief executive] about it. My assumption is we’re going to push on.
Dave Rennie's Eddie Jones Comments Have Backfired Spectacularly
12 March 2022; England head coach Eddie Jones before the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London, England. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
READ HERE: England Fans Call For Eddie Jones Sacking After Hammering By 14-Man Barbarians
Following his appointment, Eddie Jones released the following statement:
"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.
“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 programme forward ahead of their next World Cup in 2025.
“I am really looking forward to getting back home and getting stuck in.”
SEE ALSO: James Haskell Reckons England May Regret Sacking Jones After Aus Appointment
