Jones axed after losses take their toll

Eddie Jones

MELBOURNE: Coach Eddie Jones was sacked by the Australian Rugby Union yesterday after the Wallabies endured their worst run of results in 36 years.

The Wallabies lost eight of their last nine internationals this year, including seven in a row before they scrambled to a 30-14 victory over Ireland last month.

"Professional rugby is a result based game - one win in nine matches is far from satisfactory," ARU managing director Gary Flowers said.

"It was clear that we needed to act now on the position of head coach.

"This is a very difficult decision, but the ARU strongly believes we must give the Wallabies a fresh start with a new coach who will give us the best possible chance of future success.

"This is not an easy decision, but it is in the best interests of Australian rugby."

Flowers said a panel, which would include 1999 World Cup-winning coach Rod Macqueen, would be convened to begin the process of looking for a new coach.

They were not expected to announce a replacement until February.

New South Wales coach Ewen McKenzie, a former assistant to Jones, Auckland coach David Nucifora and former Queensland coach John Connolly are all early contenders for the job.

A disappointed Jones admitted the Wallabies poor results in 2005 had contributed to his sacking.

"It's all about performances and we haven't won enough games," said Jones.

"In the end the head coach takes responsibility for performances.

"I'm responsible for that and that's why my contract has been terminated.

"I don't hold any malice.

"They've made a decision they think is in the best interests of Australian rugby and all I can say is that I'm really disappointed in the decision."

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, now coach of Perth Glory, ruled himself out but said he would be happy to help in an advisory role.

Flowers said the next Wallabies coach would not necessarily be an Australian.

The future of Jones, who had two years remaining on his contract, had been the subject of intense media speculation, with Australian newspapers yesterday predicting his dismissal.

Attention will now turn to the future of captain George Gregan, who has also been under scrutiny and whose record-breaking international career was seen as linked with Jones' continued presence in the job.

Jones took over from Macqueen in 2001 and coached the Wallabies in 57 internationals, winning 33 matches, losing 23 and drawing one, though his success rate against the other top five nations - England, France, South Africa and New Zealand - was 14 wins in 36 tests.

His record against the same sides in 18 matches away from home was poor with just two wins - 23-15 against New Zealand in Dunedin in 2001 and 21-19 against England at Twickenham in 2004.

Earlier Jones had gone to the ARU's headquarters saying he would not resign, but would respect their decision should he be fired.

"[I'm] determined to keep coaching Australia, I think we've got a very good chance of winning the World Cup in 2007," he said before meeting with the ARU.

"But in the end, the ARU has got to make the right decision for the ARU and the Wallabies."

The Wallabies' depth, particularly in the forwards, was exposed in November's four-test tour to Europe that yielded only the scratchy win over Ireland to break up their run of defeats.

Jones had taken several untested players on the tour in preparation for the next World Cup, although the ARU's decision suggested his regeneration plans came too late.

Mitchell said yesterday his focus and priority was with the Western Force.

- REUTERS