‘Unfinished project’ sees Jones stay with England until 2023 World Cup

TWICKENHAM: Eddie Jones said “the project hasn’t been finished yet” as it was announced he would remain England’s head coach until the 2023 World Cup in France.

The 60-year-old Australian took charge following England’s first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup and proclaimed the aim was to turn them from also-rans to champions come last year’s edition in Japan.

In the end, despite a thrilling 19-7 semi-final win over reigning champions New Zealand, they just fell short, with South Africa overwhelming England 32-12 in the final.

But the Rugby Football Union were always keen for Jones to stay on and he has now signed a two-year extension to a contract due to end in 2021.

Jones has guided England to two Six Nations titles - including the 2016 Grand Slam—and his side are currently top of this season’s edition, with one match to play, after this month’s entire last round was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

His new contract means Jones is set to become England’s longest-serving head coach, surpassing the eight-year stint of Clive Woodward.

Having made no secret of wanting England to become the “greatest team the world has seen” Jones insisted Thursday that was still the goal. “Having done the four years, I felt the project hasn’t been finished yet,” he said in a conference call. At the end of the World Cup, you need to make an assessment of whether you can continue to develop the team and whether, as a coach, you can be effective.”

England are meant to tour Japan in July but, given the Tokyo Olympics have already postponed, that now looks unlikely, with Sweeney saying: “We expect to be able to make a decision on that towards the end of April.”