Eddie Jones signs new England contract as the RFU draws up succession plan

Eddie Jones has signed a new contract to remain England manager until 2021 while the RFU have begun planning for the eventual appointment of his successor.

The Australian’s previous deal was due to expire after the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.

However, he has now been rewarded with fresh terms after delivering 22 out of 23 Test victories since taking up the role in November 2015.

“Coaching England is a dream job for me, and I was delighted to be asked to stay on after Rugby World Cup 2019,” said Jones.

“I have been completely focussed on developing a team capable of being the number one rugby team in the world and winning the World Cup in 2019. I never take my role as England head coach for granted and did not presume I would be asked to stay on, but, once the conversations started very recently, it was not a difficult decision to make.

“These are exciting times for English Rugby, with a focussed and committed squad who are full of potential and determined to win. I will continue to work as hard as I can to make England the world’s best rugby team.”

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Meanwhile, the RFU has also announced their succession plan for when Jones leaves after the end of his new deal.

A new coach is likely to be appointed by the end of the 2019/20 campaign and work alongside the Aussie to ensure a smooth transition.

“Eddie’s results as England head coach speak for themselves,” said RFU CEO Steve Brown.

“Under Eddie’s leadership, we have risen from eighth to second in the world – and Eddie won’t be satisfied until we are number one.

“He has a 95% win rate at the helm, and has been a galvanizing force for the RFU, bringing focus, clarity and extraordinary commitment to the role.

“We now have a robust succession planning process in place which will avoid the historically disruptive pattern of resetting the coaching team and performance system every four years. Eddie will be a big part of this process, and wants to ensure a smooth handover to his successor.”

Jones will name his squad on Thursday ahead of England’s opening match of the NatWest 6 Nations against Italy.