Eddie Jones appointed Wallabies coach in 'major coup' after Dave Rennie dumped

Former England boss Eddie Jones was appointed the new Australia coach on Monday in "a major coup" after Dave Rennie was sacked, and vowed to steer them to Rugby World Cup glory in France this year.

It will be the veteran's second stint in charge after his 2001-2005 spell during which he took the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final, where they lost to England.

New Zealander Rennie, who took over from Michael Cheika at the end of 2019, was shown the door just eight months out from the global showpiece after only five wins from 14 Tests last year.

Assistant coach Scott Wisemantel quit earlier this month.

Speculation had been rife that Jones, an Australian, would be brought into the Wallabies set-up, but Rennie last week ruled out working with him, saying "it won't happen".

Jones, who was dumped by England in December, will start on 29 January on a contract that will take him through until the 2027 World Cup in Australia and which includes a home British & Irish Lions series in 2025.

?? Excited to have Eddie back on board.We'd like to thank Dave for his service to the team and wish him the best for the future.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/TQJ6Awsbld

In what Rugby Australia called a world-first, he will also head up the national Wallaroos programme as the governing body pushes towards a professional future for the women's game.

Jones said his immediate aim was to win the World Cup this year.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup," said the 62-year-old.

"It is going to be an immense period for Australian rugby - as a proud Australian, it is a great honour to be able to come home and lead the national team during these years.

"The Wallabies squad is a really