Former England Rugby Union boss Eddie Jones reveals approach from Super League club

Eddie Jones has coached both England and Australia in the code of rugby union but it’s common knowledge that he’s a huge rugby league fan, something that has always triggered speculation about a switch to the code, and he’s now revealed how he rejected Wigan Warriors around 15 years ago.

Jones has recently just exited the Australia job after a torrid World Cup campaign that saw them crash out early and in the weeks since he’s spoken down on the sport massively.

He’d taken on the Australian national team job having previously coached England, but he could well have been involved in Super League before then as he’s revealed to James Graham.

Jones also reaffirmed his love for the sport and how he’d be keen on the switch when speaking to Graham on his podcast, The Bye Round.

“I’d love to do it (rugby league coaching). I had a bit of an (opportunity) with Wigan,” explained Jones.

“Wigan wanted me to come and have a chat with them about being director of rugby in 2007 or 2008. They wanted to get Andy Farrell on as head coach.

“It was just a preliminary chat. But they wanted to chat and my wife said: ‘No, we’re not living up in Wigan.’ London was cold enough for her!

“There’s been bits and pieces, people talking and asking if I’d be interested, but the timing has never been right.”

Jones is a huge fan of the Rabbitohs, something he explained again to Graham, having previously described it as his dream job.

“I used to go to every South Sydney Rabbitohs game growing up. One year I went to every game, I absolutely loved it. Souths are still my love. I’m really proud of how they’re doing now.”

Having left the role as national team head coach Jones is now without a role, but he’s not rushing back into the game and instead seems to be waiting for the right opportunity to arise for him. Whether that’s in the 13 or 15 man code is yet to be seen, but it would certainly be interesting to see him move into rugby league.

Jones reasoned: “It’s probably the first time I’ve decided that I just need to sit back now. I’ve been basically coaching consistently since ‘96.

“I’m just going to sit back and if someone offers me a job, I’d have to make sure it’s the right job. If it is, I’ll give it a go. I’d like to keep coaching internationally but we will wait and see.”