RFU to decide on Jones’ future by Tuesday
TEDDINGTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Eddie Jones, Head coach of England looks on during the England training session ahead of the Guinness Six Nations match between Ireland and England at The Lensbury on March 17, 2021 in Teddington, England. (Photo by Adam Davy - Pool/Getty Images)
The RFU will decide whether to continue with Eddie Jones as the England coach by Tuesday 6 December, according to PA media.
Jones has come under immense pressure over his position after a year that has seen England suffer the two heaviest home defeats of his tenure and record their lowest overall win percentage since 2008.
The latest of those home defeats, a 27-13 loss against South Africa, drew particularly sharp criticism and the pressure has been compounded in recent days after revelations that his independent media advisor had described RFU CEO Bill Sweeney as ‘slippery’ on The Times’ comments section.
Sweeney has faced criticism from elsewhere too, but is leading the review process and retains the full support of the board, who make the final decision on whether or not to sack Jones.
Warren Gatland has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Jones should England opt to make a change at the top, with other potential options Steve Borthwick, Ronan O’Gara and Scott Robertson apparently unlikely to look to take the post with England until after the World Cup.
Retaining Jones is seen as a major risk too, as defeat in the opening Six Nations game against Scotland would leave his position effectively untenable and force England into a change during a major competition and less than nine months away from the World Cup.
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