Eddie Jones has vowed to see out his England contract and remain in charge of the side for the next two years after their World Cup final defeat.
England surpassed expectations by beating the All Blacks in the semi-finals to make their first World Cup final appearance since 2007. Under Jones, England rebounded from their disappointing early exit in the 2015 World Cup and enjoyed one of their most successful periods of the professional era. However, after being touted as title favourites, they were comprehensively defeated by the Springboks, missing out on the opportunity to pick up their first World Cup win since 2003.
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Jones is contracted with the English RFU until August 2021. The Australian refused to be drawn on whether he would look stay beyond that, but was adamant that he would be looking to build the side again for the next World Cup cycle.
‘I’ll definitely be there, I’m contracted for another two years,’ Jones said. ‘I’ll be in work tomorrow mate, ready to go. I’m sorry guys, I’m going to be there for another two years. I’m sorry to disappoint you.’
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney backed Jones and said that opening talks would be a first priority.
‘Eddie is committed to fulfilling his contract through to the end of August 2021 and we will let the dust settle and chat about it when we get back,’ Sweeney said. ‘There are a lot of emotions flying around after a game, so we will see where his head is at. It is one of the first priorities for us.’
Jones’ England side was the youngest to play in a World Cup final in the professional era – with an average age of 27 years and 60 days. Players such as loose forward Tom Curry and Sam Underhill and lock Maro Itoje, will be hitting their peak years during the 2023 World Cup in France.
‘Some guys will lose desire, some guys will lose fitness, some guys will get injuries and there’ll be young guys come through,’ Jones said. ‘So this team is finished now. There will be a new team made. We’ll make a new team for the Six Nations and that new team for the Six Nations will be the basis of going to the next World Cup.
‘I’m so proud of the players, the way they’ve prepared, the way they’ve worked. They’re great ambassadors for the sport and great ambassadors for England and I’m disappointed there’s such a negative attitude about our performance.’
Photo: Getty Images
