Eddie Jones has dismissed his chances of filling the vacant England head coach role, and stood firm on his commitment to Super Rugby franchise the Stormers.
Attention has centred on the likes of Jones and Jake White following England Rugby CEO Ian Ritchie saying yesterday that he was looking for a coach with ‘international experience’ to succeed the outgoing Stuart Lancaster.
But the former Brumbies, Australia and Saracens coach insisted his interest lies with last season’s Super Rugby semi-finalists at a press conference in Cape Town today (Thursday).
Boosted by nearly guiding Japan to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals and the shock 34-32 victory over South Africa, Jones said: “There has been no contact and I am committed to the Stormers. I’m very happy to be here.
“Western Province is one of the oldest and most prestigious unions in the world, with 125 years of history at this ground. It’s a fantastic city and the opportunity to coach the Stormers is wonderful,” Jones stated.
Interestingly, the day Jones announced he would leave the Cherry Blossoms was the same day Springbok stars Eben Etzebeth, Damian de Allende, Frans Malherbe and Siya Kolisi extended their contracts with the Stormers.
Former Natal Sharks and current Montpellier director of rugby, Jake White, remains the favourite with the bookmakers for the England job and has long been touted as a future England coach since leaving the Springboks in 2007.
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