Eddie Jones denies talking to Japan about coaching role before World Cup

The former England coach, who failed to get Australia out of their group in France, said he had not interviewed for the Japan job until this month.

Eddie Jones was appointed as Japan head coach for the second time this week. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Eddie Jones admitted he “felt terrible” about Australia’s World Cup failure but insisted he had no guilt about the process that saw him return as Japan boss after stepping down from his post with the Wallabies.

At a press conference on Thursday, the 63-year-old faced more questions about how and when he first made contact with the Japanese Rugby Football Union about replacing Jamie Joseph, having repeatedly denied reports about contact with the JRFU that first emerged during the World Cup.