Eddie Jones. Photo: Photosport
Eddie Jones said on Tuesday he will remain as Australia coach in the wake of their group-stage exit at the World Cup, while again denying reports he was set to take up a position with Japan.
The 63-year-old Australian, whose mother and wife are Japanese, refuted media reports during the World Cup that he had been interviewed for the Japan head coach job a couple of days before his team's final World Cup warm-up.
"I haven't been speaking to anyone, mate," Jones told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
His raw Wallabies squad exited the World Cup in France after a campaign that included back-to-back losses to Fiji and Wales in the nation's earliest departure from the global showpiece.
Wallabies players dejected after losing to Wales at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: Photosport
Jones stood by his decision to go with youth.
"I stand by the decisions I made, and I think we have left Australian rugby in a better position," he said.
"I came into the Wallabies (with) short preparation time, I had to make a quick decision on what we do.
"I made a decision we've got to go with youth. That's the best (decision) for Australia moving forward, and I still think I made the right decision there.
"I think those players, we've got a lot of good young players there who are going to benefit from that experience at a World Cup ... and go onto the 2027 World Cup."
Asked to explain Australia's poor performance in France, Jones replied: "We were just not good enough. You just have to watch the quarterfinals at the weekend. We are not at that level and we cannot pretend to be at the level. Can we be there by 2027? Yes, we can."
Wallabies look dejected Photo: Photosport
The coach said he understood fans' frustration with the team's performance.
"Yeah, look - we feel their hurt. We feel all the supporters' hurt. And we really appreciate the great support we had in France and back in Australia for the team.
"But ... sometimes the change you have to have is uncomfortable, and it is quite difficult.
"And sometimes you have to go through this to get into a better state. And I believe the problems we've had - particularly at the national team - will put us in a better state going forward."
- Reuters
