EDDIE JONES HAS firmly ruled out taking charge of the British and Irish Lions after guiding England to a Six Nations Grand Slam and Test series win in Australia.
A stout defensive display and a 23-7 victory at AAMI Park yesterday secured England’s first series victory down under.
The Lions will tour New Zealand in 12 months’ time, with Wales’ Kiwi coach Warren Gatland the favourite to take charge for a third time. And Gatland’s chances look to be largely enhanced, with Jones insisting he has no interest in the role.
“I am honoured to be thought of in that area but I have a massive commitment to England and the RFU [Rugby Football Union] and I can’t afford to spend any time away from the team,” he told Radio 5 Live.
“While it might be nice to do it professionally, my job is to make England the best in the world and I am going to do that, 100%. So unfortunately I am unavailable for the Lions. Absolutely no.
“We have improved the team but we want to keep on improving and we will not be happy until we get to number one in the world. I can’t ask for more but we want more. We want to be the best in the world.”
