Another traditional Test heavyweight has made a drastic change to their coaching setup in the hopes of turning their poor form around in time for next year’s World Cup.
Earlier this week, the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed that legendary coach Warren Gatland would be replacing the under fire Wayne Pivac as Wales’ head coach.
It was a decision that was blasted by many fans on social media considering the World Cup is nigh on the horizon, with one supporter saying “Gatland may regret returning.”
But it was a decision that needed to be made.
International rugby is more competitive than ever before and Wales were clearly no longer playing at the level that was expected of them.
But oh, how the mighty have fallen.
New Zealand, Australia and England have all come under immense pressure this year following periods of unwanted results – but two of those teams have stuck by their coach.
Less than 24 hours ago it was confirmed that super coach Eddie Jones had been axed from his position as coach of the England men’s team, just nine months out from rugby’s biggest event.
England had not been playing at the level that they had just a few years ago, where they were undoubtedly the best team on the planet under Jones for an impressive stretch of games.
But fast forward a few years, and England are coming off a dismal Autumn Nations Series. England started their campaign with a loss at home against Argentina, and only managed to win one Test in November.
While Jones’ replacement is still yet to be officially announced, fans have been left feeling “absolutely gutted” after hearing the news.
I am absolutely gutted this has happened to Eddie, I am a huge fan of his, you will be hard pushed to get anyone better, rant over!
— Christine Mcdonough (@Christi90076072) December 6, 2022
An amazing man, did wonders for the team. Big mistake letting him go, i know he will be missed.
— Leeroy (@Leeroybrown1973) December 6, 2022
Crazy decision. Can’t believe you sacked him 9 months before the WC with no successor secured.
— AMXV (@AMXV__) December 6, 2022
Not much of a thank you from the @RFU for sacking him before such a pivotal moment for rugby. England Men’s Rugby would a disaster without Eddie’s excellent coaching skills. They owe him a lifetime of gratitude and thanks. 👏🏼
— Nikki (@gllnkk) December 6, 2022
Thank you for everything Eddie. You took England to incredible hights so i think the fans and board should be forever grateful for that.
— Travis (@Travman9507) December 6, 2022
What a shame. Personally, I’d have stuck the course with him, it’s up to the players to perform after all.
— David Briscombe (@dbriscombe) December 6, 2022
You’ve missed the Autumn Nations Cup 🏆
Thank you Eddie. I would have preferred for you to have a crack at @rugbyworldcup next year, but the RFU have decided otherwise. One of the most successful @EnglandRugby coaches ever.— Ben Combes 🇬🇧🇺🇸💲🌍🎩🌳 (@ben_combes) December 6, 2022
I might be in a monority here but feel this maybe a mistake, Eddie is a big tournament coach and we are 9 months from a WC….
— GavR (@GAVRS83) December 6, 2022
It’s demoralising for the team, they need to be winning big games, it boosts confidence, boosts moral. The players were shadows of them self when playing for England. It was time for a set of new eyes and ears, new ideas ect. I have huge respect for Eddie, but it was time.
— Sam Bullock (@sam93bullock) December 6, 2022
Awful decision. How can people not see that nothing matters as long as you win a World Cup. He uses these four years to make sure we reach a World Cup final. Some years we’ve won things in those periods some years we haven’t. No one better suited than him for the role.
— Richard Bowes (@R_Bowes) December 6, 2022
Pathetic decision. Should have given him more time
— Sibusiso (@SbuOfficial) December 6, 2022
This is such a bad decision guys
— Stitchy 🔰 🔰 🔰 (@spank_man10) December 6, 2022
Big mistake before a World Cup
— Kurt hatch (@Kurt23Hatch) December 6, 2022
Wrong decision. All you will have now is further excuses if we don’t do well at the RWC. Should’ve held Eddie to his word about building for the RWC. After all, that’s what really matters.
— James Brennan (@JamesBrennan_) December 6, 2022
Thank you for everything Eddie. Genuinely sad to see him go, loved the way he coached and as the statement says, our most successful coach ever. All the best for the future. Thank you again.
— Travis (@Travman9507) December 6, 2022
Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney has praised Jones for his successful seven year tenure with England, which saw him record “the highest win ratio of any previous England men’s head coach.”
“It is important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made,” Sweeney said, as seen on England’s twitter page.
He has the highest win ration of any previous England men’s head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.
“I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he approached reviewing the performance of the team.”
During his decorated time in charge of England, Jones won three Six Nations titles, one Grand Slam, and made a Rugby World Cup final in 2019.
