Eddie Jones commits to England role until 2021 confirms RFU Chief
Eddie Jones took over as England coach post 2015 World Cup
©PA
Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney has confirmed that England coach Eddie Jones has recommitted to his role with the red rose team for the remainder of his contract that expires in 2021.
Jones had a phenomenal start to his stint with England since he took over post 2015 World Cup from Stuart Lancaster but had mixed results in 2018. Nevertheless, Sweeney said the Australian will see off his contract and could also continue beyond 2021.
"It is possible, we are not looking at that at this stage," said Sweeney.
"The focus now is really on the World Cup and then making sure we get our plans in place post World Cup.
"Eddie has reconfirmed his commitment through to 2021. We have lots of conversations on that and he has said he wants to stay through to the end of that contracted period.
"So from that prospective we've already started conversations around what will the structure and look of that coaching team be coming back from Japan.
"He has got a number of names in the frame. We haven't approached them yet. We wouldn't contract anyone pre-World Cup.
"But he has got in mind how he would like to structure that as soon as we get back. We would confirm it immediately as soon as we got back."
Meanwhile, England defence coach John Mitchell has also penned a two-year deal at least until the end of the 2021 season and Sweeney said the former New Zealand coach has the backing of Jones.
"He is a proven coach with great credentials, so that was purely the decision, it was nothing to do with succession planning," he said.
"Eddie was instrumental in that approach, and wanted John Mitchell to sign up and be part of his coaching team through to June of 2021, so we approached John from that perspective.
"That came after a conversation with Eddie about his commitment, and he has given that."
England will face Wales in a home and away fixtures followed by clashes against Ireland and Italy before they kick-start their World Cup campaign against Tonga on 22nd September.
