Confirmed - Eddie Jones has been sacked by the RFU

The Rugby Football Union have confirmed that they have sacked Eddie Jones as England head coach after presiding over the national team’s worst year since 2008.

Jones oversaw a disappointing 2022 consisting of six defeats, a draw and five wins and ending with a comprehensive loss to South Africa on November 26.

The RFU’s review of a dismal Autumn Nations Series concluded on Monday and the board are now ready to ratify its decision.

An RFU statement reads:

“The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will now conclude the long-term work it has been undertaking on coach succession planning with changes set to be announced in the near future. In the interim, Richard Cockerill will take over the day to day running of the men’s performance team.”

“It is important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made to English rugby, winning three Six Nations Championships, one Grand Slam and taking us to a Rugby World Cup Final,” said RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney.

“He has the highest win ratio of any previous England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches. I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team. He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”

The statement continued: “During his time in charge Jones steered England to three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016, two series wins in Australia, an unbeaten run of 18 matches, an Autumn Nations Cup, and a Rugby World Cup final in Japan.”

“I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team’s performance in the future,” said Jones. “Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers.”

RFU Chair, Tom Ilube said: “The independent review panel regularly updates board on its discussions and findings.  We are fully supportive of its process and recommendations.”

The review panel has regularly presented to the board during its investigation into what went wrong during an autumn that opened with defeat to Argentina, produced a solitary victory over Japan and a draw with New Zealand before signing off with an abject collapse against the Springboks.

With the World Cup in France looming, England have left it late to change their coach, yet the RFU felt it has no alternative but to act.

And that could open the door for 43-year-old Cumbrian Steve Borthwick, who skippered England during a 57-cap England career.

He was appointed Leicester boss in 2020, and has overseen a startling transformation in the Tigers’ fortunes, highlighted by a Gallagher Premiership title triumph last season.

additional reporting PA