Eddie Jones to quit English premiership club Saracens at season's end
Eddie Jones to quit English premiership club Saracens at season's end
From correspondents in London, England
February 10, 2009
FORMER Australia coach Eddie Jones will stand down as director of rugby at Saracens at the end of the season after just one year of a planned three-season stay.
Jones, who will be replaced by former South Africa centre Brendan Venter from July 1, was quoted as saying on the Guinness Premiership club's website that he was cutting short his stay for personal reasons.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to leave Saracens at the end of the current season," Jones said.
"My reasons are entirely personal.
"My wife and daughter have always given me unqualified support but it is now time for me to put the family needs first.
"I have greatly enjoyed my time with Saracens extending back to 2006 and I wish the directors, staff and players well in the future."
Jones, Australia's coach when they lost the 2003 Rugby World Cup final to England in Sydney, had a brief spell as a consultant to Saracens in 2006.
This though was his first year as director of rugby at the English club after acting as an advisor to South Africa coach Jake White during the Springboks' 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning campaign.
Venter, the defence coach at South African Super 14 franchise the Stormers, knows English rugby well from his time as coach of Saracens' premiership rivals London Irish.
Saracens owner Nigel Wray, who has pumped millions of pounds of his own money into Saracens, said: "Obviously we are all very disappointed to lose Eddie, but we are very grateful for all his hard work, inspiration and the terrific structural changes he has made at the club, which will hold us in great stead for the future.
"I know that we will all remain friends and keep in close contact."
Saracens are currently in seventh position in the 12-team premiership.
Agence France-Presse
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html
