Rugby Australia targets Eddie Jones post 2023 World Cup

Rugby Australia have initiated a preliminary discussion with England coach Eddie Jones to take over the Wallabies job post the 2023 World Cup.

Dave Rennie has been handed over the Australian job since Michael Cheika left the role post the 2019 World Cup but the 58-year-old had a tough outing having lost the home series against England which has taken his winning percentage to under 40.

A successful World Cup in France next year will help Rennie on his cause to get a contract extension with the Australian board but Jones returning back to the country of his birth having previously coached them between 2001 and 2005 could not be ruled out according to a source in the Sydney Morning Herald.

The news follows days after RA condemned the local fans, who branded Jones as a 'traitor' following England's 2-1 series victory.

This was not the first time Jones was linked with the Wallabies job as following Cheika's exit in 2019, it was reported that the 62-year-old was amongst the top contender.

“I had some informal contact but nothing too formal,” Jones told the ABC during that time.

“I’m committed to a two-year contract to England. It would have been difficult to get out of that contract. I think Australia have already moved in other directions.”

Earlier in the week RA chairman Hamish McLennan had high praises for Jones and his contribution to the sport over the years.

“Eddie Jones is a great Australian coach and has made a massive contribution to the game,” McLennan told 2GB.

“At the time they decided not to give him a job, he’s plying his trade overseas, good on him. We should be proud of what he’s done.”