Eddie Jones commits to Australian rugby, denies Japan move: 'I'm staying, mate'

Australia head coach Eddie Jones on Tuesday ruled out a rumoured switch to Japan, pledging to stick with the Wallabies following a disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign.

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"I'm staying, mate. I've always been committed to Australian rugby and I want to leave it in a better place," Jones told a press conference in Sydney amid speculation of his imminent resignation.

Although the pugnacious 63-year-old said he has unfinished business with Australian rugby, he could not guarantee he would see out the rest of his four-year contract.

"That's not my decision," he replied when asked if he would still be in charge for the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host.

"I don't control those sorts of things, all I do is coach. We've got a review going forward and we'll see what happens at the end of the review."

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As the faltering Australian side stumbled through its tournament pool games in France, reports emerged that Jones had been secretly interviewing for the head coach role in Japan.

Jones has warm relationships with key powerbrokers at the top of Japanese rugby, having previously coached the Brave Blossoms between 2012 and 2015.

'Rumours'

"I haven't been speaking to anyone, mate," Jones assured reporters on Tuesday.

"Where the rumours come from? I don't know mate, you'll have to tell me."

Jones also defended his decision to stack the World Cup squad with a band of unproven rookies, leaving a host of veterans at home including 125-Test former skipper Michael Hooper.

"The results from the World Cup weren't what we hoped, but I still think I've made the