Asked whether he thought Australians would really believe that his first interview was just last week,when applications for the role closed on August 18,Jones replied:“Well,I’m not sure what they need to believe but all I can say is that the first interview I had for Japan was in December.”
Iwabuchi jumped in to give his version of events,despite being told it was definitely a first round interview and that this masthead had evidence to prove it.
The Herald’s Tom Decent asks a question of Eddie Jones at his press conference in Tokyo on Thursday.Credit:Viola Kam
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Iwabuchi said. “I told you we had a conversation with Eddie Jones and the recruitment company to get information.”
Jones’ reputation in Australia is in tatters. Quitting less than 10 months into a five-year deal has not sat well with Wallabies fans or players.
Some of Jones’ closest friends in Australian rugby still cannot fathom the news of him returning to Japan,where he coached the national side from 2012 to 2015.
Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa said on Thursday it “just really hurts”,while Sonny Bill Williams went a step further by labelling Jones a “disgrace”.
Eddie Jones is unveiled as Japan’s head coach on Thursday night,alongside JRFU chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi.Credit:AP
Jones appeared slightly on edge and reserved during his 58-minute cameo on stage. He was asked about a tidal wave of criticism back in Australia and what it might mean for his legacy.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I can’t control their opinion,” Jones said.
“It[the process of getting the Japan job] sits well with me. I don’t have a problem with it.”
Jones signed a five-year contract in January with RA but resigned in late October after the Wallabies’ exit at the World Cup.
He blamed systemic issues in Australian rugby for his departure but this masthead has maintained that Jones has been involved in a formal process with the JRFU since August.
Jones told RA boss Phil Waugh there was zero truth to reports about his potential defection to Japan.
Loading
The JRFU president was grilled by local media about whether Jones had been promised the job and if he’d been approached while under contract with RA. Tsuchida said a proper process had been followed,despite intense speculation in Japan that it was always Jones’ job for the taking given the pair have a close association stretching close to 30 years.
Jones always had a second interview lined up,despite his public denials. He presented to a panel last Thursday in Tokyo and edged out South African Frans Ludeke for the role.
All year,Jones has distanced himself from the vacant Japan coaching job but has privately been keen on a return to the country of his mother’s heritage for some time. Jones moved to Japan permanently last month and now has the job that he truly desired.
Sports news,results and expert commentary.Sign up for our Sport newsletter.