Eddie Jones replaces Dave Rennie as Australia head coach

Eddie Jones will be part of the upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign in France after being appointed as the head coach of Australia.

Jones will take over the role from Dave Rennie with immediate effect and has signed a five-year contract with Rugby Australia.

The 62-year-old had already coached the Wallabies previously between 2001 and 2005 during which he guided them to a final in the 2003 World Cup.

He also has been assigned to oversee the Wallaroos program.

"It is a major coup for Australian rugby to have the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and to oversee the Wallaroos program," Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed.

"Eddie's deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level.

"Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby - this represents an opportunity to secure a coach of immense expertise and experience at the biggest competitions, and we did not want to miss it."

Jones was recently sacked as England head coach after holding the role for seven years during which the team reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. He also helped them claim a Grand Slam in 2016 but was replaced by Steve Borthwick in December last year after managing five wins from 12 matches.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup.

"It is going to be an immense period for Australian rugby - as a proud Australian, it is a great honour to be able to come home and lead the national team during these years.

"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 program forward ahead of their next World Cup in 2025.

"I am really looking forward to getting back home and getting stuck in."

Meanwhile, Rennie, who replaced Michael Cheika as head coach in 2020 was facing the heat after the team's dismal performance last year with just five wins from 14 matches.