England
Eddie Jones agrees deal with England to become Stuart Lancaster's replacement
Martyn Thomas
November 20, 2015
Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones© Stu Forster/Getty Images

Eddie Jones has agreed to become the first ever foreign coach of England, the RFU has confirmed.

The appointment of the Australian, who has signed a four-year contract beginning in December, brings to an end RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie's "global search" for a successor to Stuart Lancaster, after the former head coach stood down last Wednesday.

Jones arrives at Twickenham having completed just one week of a three-year contract with the South African Super Rugby franchise the Stormers.

The former Australia and Japan coach had been heavily linked with the role ever since England suffered an embarrassing pool-stage exit from the Rugby World Cup.

And having led the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final and played a major role in South Africa's march to the Webb Ellis Cup four years later, he certainly fits Ritchie's desire for a coach with international experience.

Indeed, it is only two months since Jones masterminded one of the greatest upsets in World Cup, leading Japan to a 34-32 win over South Africa.

It had been reported that the former Saracens director of rugby would work alongside Jake White, but the Montpellier coach ruled himself out of any role with England on Thursday.

That decision could pave the way for Jones to be reunited with his assistant coach at Japan, Steve Borthwick, while it remains to be seen whether Lancaster's three deputies Mike Catt, Andy Farrell and Graeme Rowntree are retained in any capacity.

© Martyn Thomas

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