ENGLAND HEAD COACH Eddie Jones has ruled himself out of the running for the Lions job in 2021, dismissing the role as that of a blazer-wearing “ambassador”.
Jones, however, would not dismiss the possibility that he could succeed Michael Cheika in charge of his native Australia in future.
The former Wallabies and Japan chief told the Brisbane Courier Mail that he has no intention of leading the Lions to South Africa in two years’ time, in the process seemingly poking fun at his Wales counterpart Warren Gatland who has managed a series win and draw in the last two tours to Australia and New Zealand respectively.
Gatland, who recently steered Wales to a third Grand Slam under his tutelage, is expected to retain his post next time around.
“The last thing I want to do is spend eight weeks in a blazer,” Jones said.
That’s an ambassador job. I’m a coach. I’d rather coach the Queensland Sheffield Shield [cricket] team.
Depending on how England fare at the Rugby World Cup, Jones’ contract could see him remain in his current position until 2021.
Australia could be looking for a new head coach unless they go well in Japan themselves, however, and Jones — while claiming compatriot Michael Cheika finds himself in a decent situation at the Wallabies’ helm — hasn’t ruled out the possibility of succeeding the former Leinster boss.
“I don’t think I would ever say ‘never’, but it’s not something I have really thought about,” he said.
“One thing Australia are not short of is talent. Cheika is in a good position. This could be his last hurrah and he’s got nothing to lose.”
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