Jones eyes Springboks World Cup role

Former Australia coach Eddie Jones admits he would “love” to work with the South Africa team at the forthcoming World Cup.

Springbok coach Jake White has asked the SA Rugby board to name Jones as technical director, and the matter will be discussed at a meeting later on Monday.

If given the go-ahead, the appointment is bound to upset the Wallabies as the countdown continues to the showpiece global tournament in France.

But Jones is not letting that bother him.

“My loyalty at the World Cup will be with the team that I am working with,” he said, after helping out the Boks in an informal role in training in Cape Town.

“That is the way professional coaching is these days. The game has changed.”

Jones is now waiting for the details of the arrangement to be finalised before taking up the post.

He told www.supersport.co.za: “There are a few small things that need to be sorted out, but obviously I hope to be working for the Springboks.

“An approach was made and I am agreeable to it. I would love to work with the Springboks at the World Cup and I am really looking forward to doing so. There is a lot of talent in this squad and it has a lot going for it.”

Jones, who has just taken up a role as consultant with English outfit Saracens, insists his new employers are happy for him to work with the Boks this autumn.

“They understand the benefits to be had from me furthering my rugby education,” said the Australian. “This is not a one-way relationship. It is a two-way relationship.

“I will not just be teaching the Boks. I will also be picking up things from them that I hope to be able to apply in my future work as a coach. In rugby you are continually learning.”