Eddie Jones signs new contract to take charge of England at 2023 Rugby World Cup

Eddie Jones has agreed to lead England into the 2023 Rugby World Cup after putting pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension.

The 60-year-old Australian steered England to the final of the tournament last year where the side were comprehensively beaten by South Africa in Japan and there had been some speculation he could be set to stand down from the position.

However, Jones has been quick to put an end to the uncertainty by committing to a new deal which gives him a second shot at becoming a world champion with England.

His previous contract, which he signed in January 2018, was due to expire in August 2021.

Jones would surpass the legendary Sir Clive Woodward as the longest serving England head coach should he see out his new deal.

‘The extension is a great honour for me, but in the current environment, it is only right to acknowledge what a difficult time the world is facing,’ Jones said.

‘We are all looking forward to a time when we can get back to playing rugby and use the sport as a force for good in bringing people back together,’ Jones said.

‘I never thought coming here four years ago I would be doing a second four years but the circumstances are right.

‘Obviously it is important for the team that we keep improving and my focus will be solely on that.’

The coronavirus pandemic halted England’s Six Nations campaign as the team were sitting top of the table, leading second-placed France on points difference. All remaining matches are set to take place in the autumn.

Jones is ‘excited’ about the years ahead and has vowed to continue his work to build ‘the greatest team the game has ever seen’.

‘I am excited about raising the standards again,’ he added.

‘We have a great team. We set out four years ago to be the best team in the world and unfortunately we missed that by 80 minutes.

‘Now we want to be the team that is remembered as being the greatest team the game has ever seen. It’s a big ambition but I believe we are capable of doing it.

‘We have players with an enhanced reputation, we have a team that is expected to do well, so it’s a great opportunity for us to keep moving forward.’

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