Rugby: Australia sack coach Rennie, replace him with ex-England boss Jones

SYDNEY - Rugby Australia on Monday sacked coach Dave Rennie just eight months before the World Cup and replaced him with ex-England boss Eddie Jones in what it called “a major coup”.

It will be Jones’ second stint in charge after his 2001-2005 spell, during which he took Australia to the 2003 World Cup final.

He had also led England to the 2019 World Cup final, was a consultant for South Africa when they won the 2007 tournament and oversaw Japan’s stunning upset of the Springboks at the 2015 edition of rugby’s showcase event.

New Zealander Rennie was sacked after just five wins from 14 Tests in 2022. He had a winning record of only 38 per cent since taking over after the last edition in 2019, the lowest of any Australia coach who oversaw at least 30 Tests.

However, he did lead the Wallabies to wins over New Zealand, South Africa and France.

Speculation had been rife that Jones, an Australian, would be brought into the Wallabies’ set-up, but Rennie last week ruled out working with him, saying “it won’t happen”.

Jones, who was dumped by England in December, will start on Jan 29 with a contract that will take him through until the 2027 World Cup in Australia. It includes overseeing the women’s Wallaroos programme.

He said his aim was to win the World Cup in France. The event begins on Sept 8.

“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,” said the 62-year-old.

“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 am really looking forward to getting back home and getting stuck in.”

Jones was axed by England after presiding over their worst year since 2008, with the team losing six of 12 Tests, with five wins and a draw.

He said in December the past few years had taken a toll and it would be “difficult” to bounce back and coach another team at the World Cup.

But he added: “If someone comes forward and the offer’s too good to refuse, then I’ll look at it.”

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said it was a “major coup” to entice Jones home.

“Eddie’s deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level,” he added.

“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.”

Rennie’s squad was plagued by injuries during his time in charge. But there was growing unease that he had not settled on first-choice players in key positions, such as flyhalf and fullback, going into a World Cup season.

He has been linked with a move to Kobe Steelers in Japan, although he rejected claims last week that any deal had been signed.

Rugby Australia chief Andy Marinos paid tribute to the New Zealander’s “hard work and effort”.

“Dave has been instrumental in developing much of the depth that we see in and around the current Wallabies squad,” he said.

“There are a number of players that are genuine World Cup possibilities because of opportunities that Dave has provided.

“The work ethic, the spirit within the group, and the way the team carries itself are all a direct result of Dave’s input – he has made a real mark on this group of players.”

Australia won the second of their two World Cups in 1999 but are currently sixth in the World Rugby rankings. AFP, REUTERS