Eddie Jones

Eddie Jones has enjoyed a distinguished international career as a rugby union coach, leading the national teams of Australia, England, and now Japan.

A talented player in his own right, Jones began his rugby journey at Matraville High School alongside future greats David Knox and the Ella brothers. A small but mobile hooker, he represented Randwick, New South Wales, and the Australian Barbarians before transitioning from the field to focus on his career as a teacher and school principal.

Jones started his coaching career at Randwick Rugby Club in Sydney, quickly gaining recognition for his tactical acumen. In 1996, he took charge of the Japanese national team and later became head coach of Suntory in the Japanese Company Championship.

Returning to Australia, Jones joined the ACT Brumbies in 1998, guiding them to a Super 12 title in 2001. He also coached the Australian Barbarians and Australia ‘A’, famously leading the latter to a historic victory over the British Lions. Appointed head coach of the Wallabies in 2001, he won the Tri Nations the same year and steered Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, narrowly losing to England in extra time.

After a stint with the Queensland Reds and a technical advisory role with South Africa’s World Cup-winning squad in 2007, Jones returned to Japan, leading Suntory to consecutive championship wins in 2013 and 2014. He later returned to international coaching, becoming the first foreign head coach of England Rugby in 2015 and leading them through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

In 2023, Jones returned to the helm of the Japan national team, continuing his long-standing commitment to developing rugby at the highest level across the globe.