Eddie Jones shows ‘lack of respect for Japan’ by revealing job search before World Cup
Outgoing Japan national rugby team boss Eddie Jones was selfish to detract from the country's Rugby World Cup preparations by making public his negotiations with other teams, the head coach of a domestic club said on Wednesday.
Outgoing Japan national rugby team boss Eddie Jones was selfish to detract from the country's Rugby World Cup preparations by making public his negotiations with other teams, the head coach of a domestic club said on Wednesday.
Jones announced on Tuesday he would step down as Japan boss following the September 18-October 31 showpiece tournament in England after revealing last week he was "chatting" to South African Super Rugby side Western Stormers about a possible role.
Katsuyuki Kiyomiya, who coaches Top League outfit Yamaha Jubilo and worked alongside Jones previously at Suntory Sungoliath, accused the former Australia boss of lacking respect.
It’s outrageous for him to be thinking about his next job when he’s got the World Cup in front of him. He must think we’re all fools
"You have to wonder about the timing of the announcement," Kiyomiya told Nikkan Sports. "It's not something you do just before the start of the World Cup.
"It's outrageous for him to be thinking about his next job when he's got the World Cup in front of him. He must think we're all fools."
Kyodo said Kiyomiya had long-declared his interest in succeeding Jones.
Japan, whose only World Cup win came in 1991 against Zimbabwe, have been drawn in group B for the tournament with South Africa, Samoa, Scotland and the United States.
Meanwhile, Australia are out to change perceptions at the World Cup that their scrum remains vulnerable, assistant coach Mario Ledesma said.
The former Argentina hooker, part of a strong Pumas pack at four World Cups, was recruited to add some steel to the Wallabies' set piece, which local pundits fear will crumble against pool rivals England and Wales.
That view gained currency at Twickenham last year when Australia's pack was driven backwards during a 26-17 loss to England.
"Everybody made a big issue about that and the Kiwis and the English will be talking a lot about that," Ledesma said.
"We are trying to change perceptions. We have to put the scrum in the place it deserves and that is being a really important part of rugby, if not, we will be playing rugby league."
