Eddie Jones has been rehired as Japan rugby national team head coach to succeed departed Jamie Joseph, the Japan Rugby Football Union announced Wednesday.
The 63-year-old Australian, who will hold a press conference Thursday, will take up his post on Jan. 1 and run the team through the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Jones led the Brave Blossoms to three pool-stage wins at the 2015 World Cup in England, including a famous 34-32 victory against South Africa, before guiding England to a runners-up finish at the 2019 tournament in Japan.
Jones was sacked as England head coach last December before taking on the Australia job. However, he handed in his resignation this October despite a five-year contract after the Wallabies, for the first time, failed to advance from the World Cup pool stage in France.
New Zealander Joseph steered Japan to their first knockout-phase appearance in 2019 but failed to repeat the feat at this year's tournament. The former Highlanders' head coach has since returned to that club in a new role as their head of rugby.
Frans Ludeke, the highly credentialed South African coach of Japan Rugby League One champions Kubota Spears, was one of the three candidates interviewed by the Japan Rugby Football Union.
JRFU Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi spoke about what Jones brings to the table.
"He gets the highest possible marks for his vision, plan and rugby style," Iwabuchi said.
Related coverage:
Rugby: Jones says interested in coaching Japan, has not had job offer
Rugby: Rugby Australia confirms head coach Jones' resignation
