May 24, 7:00 AM UTC
Chiefs vs Hurricanes
May 24, 9:30 AM UTC
Brumbies vs Rebels
May 24, 7:00 PM UTC
Gloucester Rugby vs Sharks - Final
May 25, 4:30 AM UTC
Moana Pasifika vs Waratahs
May 25, 7:00 AM UTC
Crusaders vs Blues
May 25, 9:30 AM UTC
Reds vs Force
May 25, 1:45 PM UTC
Leinster vs Stade Toulousain - Final
May 26, 2:00 AM UTC
Highlanders vs Fijian Drua
May 31, 7:00 AM UTC
Crusaders vs Moana Pasifika
May 31, 9:30 AM UTC
Waratahs vs Reds
May 31, 6:35 PM UTC
Leinster vs Connacht
Jun 1, 2:00 AM UTC
Fijian Drua vs Rebels
Jun 1, 4:30 AM UTC
Hurricanes vs Highlanders
Jun 1, 7:00 AM UTC
Blues vs Chiefs
International Rugby League

Eddie Jones Back In Charge, As Japanese Rugby Union Announces His Return

Eddie Jones Back In Charge, As Japanese Rugby Union Announces His Return

Eddie Jones returns as head coach for Japan Rugby, bringing expertise and optimism after Wallabies' World Cup woes. Excitement awaits in 2024.

Dec 13, 2023 by Philip Bendon
Eddie Jones Back In Charge, As Japanese Rugby Union Announces His Return

The Japanese Rugby Football Union officially has named Eddie Jones as its new head coach, marking his return to a role he previously held from 2012 to 2015. The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation surrounding Jones' potential re-appointment. 

Jones is set to commence his duties on Jan. 1, according to the official statement on the union's website. 

The 63-year-old Australian resigned as the head coach of Australia in October, following a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign that saw the Wallabies exit at the pool stage, marking their worst performance in the tournament's history. 

Despite media reports during the World Cup suggesting Jones had been interviewed for the Japan job, the coach denied any such discussions, only for the official confirmation to come later. 

This appointment follows Jones' successor, Jamie Joseph, who guided Japan to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2019 but faced a pool-stage exit in France. 

Jones, whose mother and wife are Japanese, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having led Japan to a historic upset of South Africa in the 2015 World Cup. 

His return to the helm is expected to bring renewed energy and strategic prowess to the Japanese rugby scene. 

Previously sacked by England in December, Jones made a swift return to coach Australia in January, expressing confidence in the Wallabies claiming a third World Cup triumph in France. However, the team's lackluster performance, including five losses in the lead-up to the tournament, resulted in a disappointing ninth-place ranking in the world. 


Despite recent setbacks, Jones remains highly regarded in Japan, and his past success with the Brave Blossoms adds a sense of optimism for the future of Japanese rugby under his leadership. 

As the countdown to Jan. 1 begins, rugby enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the impact of Jones' return on Japan's rugby fortunes.

Related Content