England Rugby Union appoint Australian Eddie Jones as head coach

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England at the Rugby World Cup.

AUSTRALIAN Eddie Jones is the new coach of the England rugby union team and the first foreign coach to be handed the role.

Starting in December, the ex Australia and Japan coach will take over from Stuart Lancaster whose time with England came to an end after an early exit in this year’s World Cup, Jones signed a four year contract with the Rugby Football Union on Friday morning and his first match as England coach will be a Six Nations encounter with Scotland on February 6.

Jones, who has coached in England before and has won both domestic and international trophies, said,  “The opportunity to take the reins in possibly the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day however, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity. I believe the future is bright for England.”

The RFU have announced a “unanimous” approval for Jones although not all commentators are looking favourably on the decision.

Ex Australia captain David Campese, who had a renowned personal rivalry with the All Blacks, called the appointment “desperate”.

“I don’t think they should have stuck with Stuart Lancaster because he’s a school teacher. Unfortunately rugby is a professional sport and we don’t need school teachers. I think Eddie is one as well,” he said.

“Don’t you want an Englishman to coach an English team and win the World Cup?” Campese added.

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