Eddie Jones confirmed as new head coach of Japan

Eddie Jones was named by Japan as their new head coach on Wednesday, six weeks after the Australian quit the Wallabies following their dismal showing at the Rugby World Cup.

Jones previously coached Japan for three years from 2012 and led them to their historic win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.

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Speculation was rife that he would return after Australian media reported that he had interviewed for the job during the Wallabies' World Cup campaign in France.

The pugnacious 63-year-old repeatedly denied being linked with the job.

But he also told reporters that he had been living apart from his Japanese wife while he coached Australia.

Jones quit the Wallabies after just two wins from nine Tests since taking over in January, including a worst-ever World Cup performance where they failed to make it out of the pool phase.

He was appointed Japan coach ahead of South African Frans Ludeke, who led Kubota Spears to last season's Japanese club title.

He will officially take over on 1 January.

Eddie Jones announced as Japan National Team Head Coach as of 1 January 2024 ?? https://t.co/p0kKftmWsJ…#JapanRugby pic.twitter.com/EQeU7Xv63U

Despite being fired by England last December after their worst annual return in 14 years, Jones was hailed as the saviour of an underperforming Wallabies outfit.

But his insistence on fast-tracking rookies at the expense of veteran stars badly backfired in high-pressure games, as did a revolving door of unproven captains.

Being linked to the vacant Japan job didn't help his public persona either.

"Australia feels betrayed, embarrassed and humiliated, as much by Jones' dalliance with Japan as our