Rugby league linked coach set for shock return to former side but is still keen on move to rugby league

Eddie Jones has long been open to a move to rugby league having been a star of the rugby union coaching world.

He was previously approached by Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves and has openly spoken about his desire to coach in the NRL especially South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Now he has the opportunity with a review into his role with England rugby union spelling the end of his time there as  RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney added: “It is important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made to English rugby, winning three Six Nations Championships, one Grand Slam and taking us to a Rugby World Cup Final.

“He has the highest win ratio of any previous England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches. I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team. He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”

This has led to speculation that Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield could join the England coaching staff as they strive to appoint the entire Leicester Tigers coaching staff.

But what for Jones?

He has been linked with a move to the NRL and of course South Sydney Rabbitohs.

However, he already has a short term position lined up according to The Ruck.

Castres Olympique head coach Pierre-Henry Broncan revealed, according to The Ruck, that the Aussie will join his backroom team as a consultant.

“It’s a complicated period for him, he has want to go back to Japan because his wife is Japanese and his mother is there. He will recharge his batteries in Japan at first. Then he will come here.”

And the Castres coach added: “Eddie Jones will be on the market and he will quickly be picked up by a club or a nation, he will not be free for long. For the moment in a period like this, he needs to breathe, to put himself aside a little ”.

However, speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Jones revealed he is still open to a return to coach Australia rugby union where he really made a name for himself and it would be a massive shock to see him leave England, turn down the NRL and return to them who he previously coached from 2001-05.

The Daily Mail have reported that Rugby Australia is already preparing a swoop for him in order to weaponise him against England.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald has also reported discussions have started but Jones, when speaking to the publication, just wants to get right back into the thick of coaching acknowledging his desire to coach in the NRL:

“As for my next step, well I think everyone knows I love a scrap and I’m up for whatever challenge is next.

“I’m open to looking at everything in rugby and I’ve made no secrets about my wish to give the NRL a go too. Nothing is off the table.”