Japan Rugby confirm Eddie Jones' appointment

The former England boss will take up his post on 1 January. Jones stepped down from his role as Australia's head coach after a dismal World Cup showing in France. The 63-year-old was first linked with the Japan job in September, but repeatedly denied those reports.

On Wednesday, the JRFU put all speculation to bed.

"The Japan Rugby Football Union (President: Masato Tsuchida, Minato-ku, Tokyo) has announced that Eddie Jones will be appointed as the next head coach of the Japan national team from January 1, 2024," read the curt statement.

Jones coached Japan from 2012 to 2015, famously masterminding a stunning victory over 2015 World Cup opponents South Africa in Brighton.

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