![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/69\/590x\/secondary\/Eddie-Jones-Japan-4975572.jpg?r=1695557793290\")
<\/p>\nAustralia have been rocked by the reported news that their head coach Eddie Jones has taken part in a secret job interview with Japan smack bang in the middle of the Wallabies’\u00a0Rugby World Cup preparations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Jones joined Japanese rugby officials over Zoom two days before his side’s devastating 41-17 loss at the hands of France last month to discuss the possibility of returning to the fold with the Cherry Blossoms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The report goes on to claim that Jones was willing to meet with Japanese executives for an in-person follow-up interview in France. Jones has had two stints with Japan, the first as an assistant coach in 1996 and then again from 2012 to 2015 as the national team’s head coach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since re-taking the reins with Australia earlier this year, Jones has gone 1-6 at the helm. His sole victory in charge came against Georgia in their second group-stage game. However, his side would follow this up with a 22-15 loss to Fiji in their next fixture.<\/p>\n
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However, Rugby Australia chief executive\u00a0Phil Waugh told the Herald that Jones informed him that there was \u201cnothing in\u201d the reports. \u201cI take people at their word and Eddie\u2019s said there\u2019s nothing in it,\u201d said Waugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, as far as I\u2019m concerned, that\u2019s the end of the story and everyone\u2019s focus is on this weekend\u2019s crucial game against Wales.\u201d Jones’s assistant Jason Ryles has also come out and stated that he would be surprised if the 63-year-old left the Wallabies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cI see his vision beyond the World Cup and it\u2019s one of those things where he hasn\u2019t said anything to us, obviously,\u201d Ryles said. “Basically, watch this space. There is a big job ahead for the next four years with the Wallabies, which he\u2019s started already. He\u2019s got some pretty good foundations down.<\/p>\n \u201cTo walk away from that would be a bit of a surprise because there is a lot of green shoots for the future. I\u2019m not too sure what he\u2019ll do to be honest with yo u. It\u2019s good to have options by the sounds of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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