Ex-England manager Eddie Jones said he “did not complain» of the way he was sacked by the English Rugby Federation (RFU), nine months before the start of the World Cup in France, and that he «wouldn’t change anythingto his choices if he had the opportunity, on Wednesday on BBC Radio 4.
«I understand their decision. I have no problem with her. We never complain when they appoint us and so we can’t complain when they decide to ”de-appoint” usexplained Jones on BBC generalist radio. “I felt the wind turn” he added.
Jones, who has always had his sights set on the 2023 World Cup in France when his contract is due to end, also said he would not change his choices as the RFU blamed him for sacrificing the short-term success of XV de la Rose.
«There are two points of view“, did he declare. “Of course the next game is important, no one is saying it isn’t. But the World Cup is also the ultimate trophy. I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I was convinced that we were on the right track before the World Cup and I still am. Sometimes the results don’t go in the right direction and we pay the price. I know that as well as anyone else, so I have no regrets for what I did.»
During the 62-year-old Australian’s seven-year tenure, England won the Six Nations Championship three times, including a Grand Slam in 2016, and reached the World Cup final in 2019, lost to South Africa.
But, in 2022, the XV de la Rose had their worst year since 2008 with six defeats, five wins and a draw in twelve games, leading the RFU to sack Eddie Jones on December 6.
Jones, who coached Australia between 2001 and 2005 and advised South Africa in 2007 when they won the World Cup, also confirmed he was in talks with other federations over his future professional.
He was replaced on Monday by Leicester coach Steve Borthwick, who was his assistant in Japan for three years and then in England for five.