Jones says committed to Australia job after Wales debacle

LYON, France : Eddie Jones said he remained 100 per cent committed to the task of turning Australian rugby around after his young side were thrashed by Wales to move to the brink of elimination from the World Cup in the pool stage.

Jones was hired on a five-year contract in January but a report in the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday cited sources as saying he had been interviewed about returning to the Japan job when Jamie Joseph leaves after the World Cup.

"I don't know what you're talking about, mate," he said when questioned about the report after the 40-6 loss to Wales.

"I came back to Australia to try to help as much as I can. I'm a proud Australian. I hate to see Australian rugby do as poorly as we've been doing, particularly under my reign.

"There's not only the Wallabies we've got to try and improve, we've got to improve the whole system of Australian rugby.

"That's not an excuse. We've got to have a really good look at ourselves, and to continue improving and getting better."

Jones bridled at continuing questioning over the report and threatened to walk out of the post-match press conference.

"I really take umbrage at people questioning my commitment as Australia coach," he said.

"I've been working nonstop since I've come in and apologise for the results. But to question my commitment to the job I think is a bit red hot."

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh earlier told reporters in Lyon that Jones had assured his employers there was no foundation to the report.

"You just have to take people for their word," the former Wallabies flanker said.

"He said he hasn't, and if he has, that's something that we'll deal with at the time that becomes evident."

Jones was previously coach of Japan for three years from 2012