THE Australian Rugby Union has officially announced that Eddie Jones will not continue as head coach of Australia after a disastrous final year at the helm.
ARU boss Gary Flowers says while the review of the team's Spring tour is not yet over, the current coaching environment has failed to deliver the results Wallabies fans expect. "Professional rugby is a result-based game - one win in nine matches is far from satisfactory," Flowers said today.
"The decision to search for a new coach was only reached after carefully considering the information that has been gleaned from our review and consultation with key people.
The ARU was believed to be ready to allow Jones time to present a case to keep his job, saying earlier today that it would make a decision on December 9.
After much speculation, though, it made its decision today.
"This is a very difficult decision, but the ARU strongly believes we must give the Wallabies a fresh start with a new coach who will give us the best possible chance of future success," Flowers said.
"While the ARU board has decided to search for a new coach, we also recognise that Eddie Jones has made an enormous contribution to the game."
Flowers pinpointed a very good rugby program, work ethic and an appearance in the 2003 World Cup final as Jones's lasting legacy.
The Wallabies upset New Zealand in the semi-finals to make the final, but lost narrowling 20-17 to England during extra-time. Jones has yet to comment on the ARU's decision to show him the door.
He is reportedly set to take up the coaching rol;e with Japan.
Flowers said that the review of the Wallabies's support structures will continue in the wake of Jones's departure.
"I want to make it clear to all rugby supporters that process will continue and it will leave no stone unturned.
"However, it was clear that we needed to act now on the position of head coach.
"We will now be able to move forward and get on with the job of searching for a high calibre head coach to lead a coaching team that will get the best out of Australia's elite rugby players.
"This is not an easy decision, but it is in the best interests of Australian rugby.
Flowers announced a panel will be assembled immediately to begin the process to appoint a new head coach, with current New South Wales Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie thought to be the early favourite.
The panel will include of ARU high performance manager Dr Peter Davis, former Wallabies coach Rod Macqueen, who coached the side to World Cup glory in 1999, and another experienced high performance rugby identity yet to be determined.
This panel will seek input from past and present players and is expected to make a recommendation to the ARU board in February.
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