The prodigal son: Can Eddie Jones unleash Australia's X factor?

TASKMASTER: Former England boss Eddie Jones has been tasked with reviving Australia's ailing fortunes. Pic: Ben Whitley/PA Wire.

If Wallabies players can find a way to be as ruthless as their Rugby Australia bosses and as cunning as their new coach, exciting days lie ahead. The announcement by Rugby Australia that Eddie Jones is returning as coach of the men’s side, overseer of the women’s program and chief of chiefs for the five years leading into the 2027 World Cup in Australia, is monumental.

By showing Dave Rennie the door and throwing Jones the keys to the kingdom, RA has again turned to an Australian coach and backed his vision to return to the “Wallabies way”: uptempo running rugby played hard but fair. They have also sent a bold warning shot to the world ahead of the World Cup in September.