Former Eddie Jones favourite in disbelief over Wallabies exit rumours

With reports swirling that Eddie Jones is set to leave his post with Australia after less than a year in charge in order to rejoin Japan, a former player of his, Matt Giteau, has summed up how most people are reacting to this news.

The versatile back given his first Wallabies cap under Jones in 2002 before going on to play 103 matches in gold. He seems to be in a state of disbelief at how the events have unfolded, and it is easy to understand why.

The 41-year-old took to X to write: “Reports on Eddie Jones to leave Australia surely this can’t be accurate.” Though Australia had a disastrous World Cup, Jones was brought in on a five-year deal with the aim of building for the future, with a British & Irish Lions series in 2025 and the next World Cup in 2027 both being in Australia.

That was the reasoning behind sacking Dave Rennie and appointing Jones, and also why Jones opted to pick such an inexperienced Wallabies team for this World Cup. Seeing as Jones is at the beginning of this journey, it explains why the likes of Giteau are in disbelief about what is currently happening as Japan look for their replacement for the departing Jamie Joseph.

Reports on Eddie Jones to leave Australia 🤯 surely this can’t be accurate

— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) October 12, 2023

According to Japanese outlet Sponichi, the move back to the Brave Blossoms is almost there though.

“Current Australian national team coach Eddie Jones is expected to return as the successor to Joseph,” the website claimed.

“This spring, Masato Tsuchida, president of the Japan Association, with whom he has had a honeymoon relationship since his days at Suntory, contacted him.

“Contract negotiations have been held privately behind the scenes, and preparations are underway for (his) return (for the first time) since the 2015 World Cup, which led them to a historic three wins.