Japan have confirmed the appointment of Eddie Jones as their head coach for the second time following the 63-year-old's departure from Australia.
Jones previously served as Japan boss from 2012 to 2015, during which time they won four Asian Rugby Championships and one Pacific Nations Cup in 2014.
The Cherry Blossoms also won three of their four pool matches at the 2015 World Cup with Jones at the helm, including a shock 34-32 beating of South Africa, only to agonisingly miss out on a place in the knockout stages before the 63-year-old left his post.
Following a seven-year spell with England, where he led the nation to three Six Nations titles and the 2019 World Cup final, Jones returned for a second stint as Australia head coach in January, signing a four-year contract.
However, a disheartening year saw the Wallabies win just two of their nine matches under Jones and suffer their first-ever World Cup pool-stage exit in this year's tournament, winning just two of their four matches.
Jones's future was the subject of much debate after Australia's exit, but in September, the former Randwick hooker shot down reports linking him with the Japan job and reaffirmed his commitment to Australia.
Only a few weeks later, though, Jones stood down from his post, and he is now confirmed to be taking the Japan reins from January 2024 onwards, replacing Jamie Joseph after the 54-year-old departed at the end of the 2023 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Australia are yet to hire a new head coach since Jones's departure, but former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt is believed to be in the running for the post.
Ben Knapton
