Rugby Australia on Monday named Eddie Jones as head coach, putting the former England and Japan boss in charge for the next two World Cups.

His appointment, effective from the end of January, comes less than eight months before the start of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

Eddie Jones. (Kyodo)

The 62-year-old Australian replaces New Zealander Dave Rennie, whose sacking was announced the same day, following a lackluster run of results by the two-time world champion Wallabies.

Jones, who was dismissed by England last month, previously coached Australia to the World Cup final on home soil in 2003.

He steered England to second place at the 2019 World Cup in Japan following a successful stint in charge of the Brave Blossoms that included the iconic "Brighton Miracle" victory over South Africa at the 2015 tournament.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup," Jones said in a statement.

World No. 6 Australia will face Georgia, Fiji, Wales and Portugal at the World Cup kicking off Sept. 8.

Jones will also oversee the Australian national women's team under his five-year contract.


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