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Wallabies coach Eddie Jones reportedly declares desire to end relationship with Rugby Australia

Simon Chapman
Simon Chapman

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Eddie Jones is one step closer towards leaving Australia for Japan.

That's according to the Sydney Morning Herald who report talks have begun with Rugby Australia for the Wallabies head coach to abandon his current contract.

Jones is on contract through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. However, a wretched campaign in France this year in which the Wallabies were knocked out before the quarter-finals for the first time has fractured that relationship with rugby's big wigs.

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Jones and his representatives have sent a letter to Rugby Australia "expressing a willingness to discuss a mutual end to his time as Wallabies coach" for an early departure, according to the report.

Discussions could begin as early as next week. 

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones after a post-Rugby World Cup press conference.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones after a post-Rugby World Cup press conference. Steven Siewert

Jones is currently in the United Kingdom training the Barbarians with Scott Robertson ahead of their match against Wales.

The report also indicates a second interview with the Japanese Rugby Football Union is set to go ahead, despite Jones repeatedly denying as much in recent weeks.

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Jones committed himself to Rugby Australia and the Wallabies in a press conference post-mortem.

"That's the intention," said Jones of coaching through to the next Rugby World Cup in the aforementioned press conference.

"As you know, we play a game where the coach doesn't decide how long they stay."

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A little more than a week on, it appears the first move has been made for Jones to make an early exit.

Despite those comments, it would see Jones is trying to control his own destiny.

"I haven't been speaking to anyone, mate," said Jones when asked about a second interview with the Japanese Rugby Football Union.

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Asked if he had spoken to the JRFU president Masato Tsuchida, Jones said, "Not for a long time."

Eddie Jones coached Japan between 2012 and 2015.

Eddie Jones coached Japan between 2012 and 2015. Sports Nippon via Getty Images

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Jones is set for a second interview. Coincidentally, he is also set to be holidaying in Japan later this year.

The Clash's iconic song 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' comes to mind in all of this – a song in essence about two confused lovers.

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"If I go, there will be trouble. And if I stay, it will be double."

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Although an early exit is problematic in itself, staying could create just as much drama.

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Less than a year into the job, there's little faith in Jones from the public, pundits, or former players.

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