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Anyway, as per first post, we are staying away from discussing the "E word" on this thread
The long list of potential Eddie Jones replacements at Australia
Jared Wright, Planet Rugby
30 Oct 2023 10:30 AM
Following Eddie Jones’ resignation, Rugby Australia face the daunting task of finding his replacement with an important four-year Rugby World Cup cycle ahead of the Wallabies.
Jones had signed on until the end of Australia’s home Rugby World Cup in 2027 but now leaves after a disastrous 10 months back in charge of the Wallabies.
Whoever replaces the outgoing head coach will also have to quickly prepare the side for the 2025 British and Irish Lions Series while cleaning up the debris of Jones’ failed Rugby World Cup smash and grab.
Alas, one thing the Wallabies have going in their favour is that they have a plethora of options and while money always talks, they will surely loosen the purse strings again to make sure they have a top coach for what is an incredibly crucial period for rugby in Australia.
Front runners
Former Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar has long been tipped to take the role in Australia. He was part of Dave Rennie’s coaching staff but departed to England to join Leicester Tigers when Jones took over. It is reported that McKellar has a Wallabies clause in his contract with Leicester, and now that the job is vacant, Rugby Australia may look to pounce and bring back one of their most talented coaches.
McKellar’s replacement at the Brumbies, Stephen Larkham, was pointed out by Jones as a future Wallabies head coach. Having worked as an assistant under Michael Cheika before heading to Munster and now returning to the Brumbies, Larkham is another who will be right near the top of the shortlist.
Meanwhile, Andy Friend’s return Down Under couldn’t have been timed more perfectly. The well-travelled coach is highly rated in both hemispheres and has a keen eye for talent. After a successful stint at Connacht, a step up to the international scene could be right up Friend’s alley.
Another serious consideration could be for outgoing All Blacks boss Ian Foster after he guided New Zealand to the Rugby World Cup Final. Foster confirmed that he refused to hold any talks with any potential suitors until after the World Cup in France. He may feel like he has a score to settle with New Zealand Rugby after his replacement, Scott Robertson, was announced before the World Cup, and while he did have some lowlights throughout his time in charge of the All Blacks, he still managed to reach the pinnacle event.
Outside bets
Whenever a top job comes on the market, the big-name coaches will always be linked to the job; this one will be no different.
Because of the timing of Jones’ resignation – after a World Cup cycle – Australia really do have a chance to lure a top name Down Under, even if it is a long shot.
Could we see Michael Cheika return after a strong stint with Argentina? Possibly not, but he will surely be mentioned in a meeting or two at least.
After his stunning success with Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and reaching the knockouts, Simon Raiwalui is an interesting prospect, particularly considering that he has worked with the Wallabies in the past.
Ronan O’Gara will be itching to test himself on the international stage, and with the England and Ireland job not opening up anytime soon, could he be tempted away from La Rochelle to make the step up? It’s entirely possible.
While Sir Steve Hansen has been coaching in the Japanese Rugby League One, a return to international rugby, particularly with Australia, is unlikely but not impossible.
Sticking with the New Zealanders, and Joe Schmidt is not staying on with the All Blacks and could be a massive coup for the Wallabies. He has expressed his desire to spend more time with his family, but could the prospect of facing the Lions sway him enough, plus the nice payment package that would come with it?
Meanwhile, Jamie Joseph took Japan through to the Rugby World Cup play-offs for the first time in 2019 and is still highly regarded despite Japan’s underwhelming showing in 2023. He could be a great fit as Australia rebuild their squad.
In with a shot
While the outside bets may well be on Rugby Australia’s radar already, there are others who could be in with a shot, particularly if they express their interest.
Former Reds coach Brad Thorn’s stocks may have fallen more recently, but he could still make a good case to take the reins.
Newly appointed Racing 92 coach Stuart Lancaster could be the ideal fit but would come at a hefty cost if he does not have a clause in his contract.
Former Western Force and Melbourne Rebels boss Dave Wessels was also linked with the Wallabies job a few years ago and now works with the Stormers. He is also held in high regard and could be in the running.
In a left-field selection, former Bulls head coach Frans Ludeke could be an exciting choice. He was hugely successful in Pretoria and has built a new legacy in Japan with the Kubota Spears, who won the Japan Rugby League One season.
Surely not
We have already mentioned Cheika as a front-runner, but at the same time, he could comfortably fit in this category, such is the absurdity and dysfunction in Australia right now.
In this case, we can’t possibly write off the return of Robbie Deans as he continues to be successful in Japan and could quite easily return to an international set-up.
But could there be a world where Rugby Australia somehow convince Dave Rennie to return after sacking him just a year out from the World Cup? It would take some doing from Australia’s governing body. Stranger things have happened.