Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has received a warm welcome home, greeted by students at his old school Matraville Sports High School (MSHS) today.
In what was a symbolic homecoming, Jones was joined by Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos and Chairman Hamish McLennan, as well as great friends, former teammates and fellow MSHS alumnus Gary, Glen and Mark Ella for his first press conference since arriving in Australia.
After landing back on home soil on Sunday morning, Jones attended the final day of the HSBC Sydney7s before an induction at Rugby Australia’s head office at Moore Park yesterday.
In what is his second stint in charge of the national team, after leading the side to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final during his first tenure, Jones will spend the next few weeks planning and visiting the five Super Rugby clubs, while also turning his focus to the upcoming truncated Rugby Championship.
Rugby World Cup planning will also ramp up, as Jones looks to steer the Wallabies to their third Webb Ellis Cup in France later this year, a tournament the 62-year-old holds an unrivalled 82% winning record.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: “I’m thrilled to be back home in Australia and couldn’t think of a better place to come back to then here in the heart of Sydney's grassroots.”
“It’s imperative we win the hearts and minds of young Australians and to get them playing Rugby and supporting their national teams.
“I’m very much looking forward to getting around to visit the Super Rugby clubs and those in the Rugby community over the next few months.
"We've got a really talented group of young players and it's my job to bond them into a team that every Australian's proud of.
“it's a huge year with a World Cup just around the corner and while there’s plenty of work to do, I’ll be making sure we turn over every rock in order to bring success to the Australian Rugby.”
