One of rugby’s most successful coaches of the modern era, Steve Hansen, says it was unfair of England to sack Eddie Jones so close to next year’s World Cup.
After a seven-year spell at the helm of England’s national rugby union team, the Australian was sacked off the back of a lacklustre 2022.
This year’s Six Nations saw England claim two wins from five matches, going down to Scotland, Ireland, and France while wins were forthcoming against Italy and Wales.
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England then defeated a depleted Australia in its three-match series, 2-1.
Its four-match, end-of-year tour ultimately sealed Jones’ fate. A one-point loss to Argentina was followed by a demolition derby of Japan and then a tied contest with New Zealand.
Then, England ended their season with a loss to South Africa.
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Nevertheless, Jones maintained his standing as England’s most successful coach, holding an enviable 72.8 per cent win rate – greater than that of Sir Clive Woodward (71.1 per cent).
However, England’s Rugby Football Union found it had enough to depose Jones less than nine months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Jones has a solid record at the tournament. Although yet to win the title, he had success with England and Australia by taking them both to finals.
Instead, the Rugby Football Union will trust Steve Borthwick to lead England to a Rugby World Cup.
That’s led former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to question the call.
Asked by Stuff.co.nz whether he was surprised by Borthwick’s appointment over Jones, Hansen replied, “Well, he’s their most successful coach. So I don’t think they needed to treat him like that, and sack him.
Eddie Jones sacked by England
“It’s pretty close to the World Cup and he was pretty focused on doing well there, and had a very good track record at World Cups.
“However, they have made that decision and that’s their decision based on all their facts and figures. So you just have to get on with it, don’t you?”
Exactly where Jones will land in 2023 as far as international coaching remains to be seen.
The polarising figure has already found a gig coaching the all-star Barbarians and is a consultant for club outfit Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan’s Rugby League One.
Japan’s national team is currently coached by Jamie Joseph, and Hansen said he can see Jones ending up back in that role.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he pops up coaching Japan, once Jamie goes,” Hansen added.
Rugby Australia has confirmed its interest in signing Jones in a coaching capacity ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
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