Report: Eddie Jones lands Japan head coach job

Jones recently vacated his role as Wallaby coach after their disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign. Now the divisive Australian is seemingly on the cusp of making his return to Japan, where he coached from 2012-2015, producing some incredible results.

This week, Japanese daily sports newspaper Sponichi revealed that he has edged South African coach Frans Ludeke for the top job in Japan, pending an upcoming board meeting.

"It was revealed on the 8th that Eddie Jones (63), who served in the same position from 2012 to 2015, has been confirmed to return as the next head coach of the Japan national rugby team," reported the Sponichi website via online translation.

"If approved by the Board of Directors on the 13th, he will be officially appointed for the first time in eight years.

"Regarding the selection of the next head coach, Japan Association President Masato Tsuchida, who has a close relationship with Jones, led the return and made a secret offer to Jones, who had been Australia's coach this spring.

"An open call was held in July, with Tokyo Bay head coach Frans Ludeke and others nominating. Final interviews were held with the two finalists in Tokyo on the 7th. As originally planned, Mr Jones was selected."Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports backed up the report from Sponichi, reporting that it had already "confirmed" that Jones "will be appointed as the new head coach of the Japan national rugby team."

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