SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Eddie Jones won't take Lions rugby job

Eddie Jones has declared himself unavailable to take over as British and Irish Lions coach in 2017.

England coach Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones has declared himself unavailable to take over as British and Irish Lions coach in 2017. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Eddie Jones has again ruled himself out of the running to coach the British and Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand in 2017, vowing to make England the world's best rugby side.

After leading the Red Rose to a Six Nations grand slam and now a first-ever series win in Australia, calls are likely to increase for Jones to take the helm of the Lions against the All Blacks next year.

The trip clashes with England's scheduled tour of Argentina in June, prompting Jones last month to declare himself unavailable.

And despite the hopes of Lions team chief John Feehan, Jones's mind hasn't changed after retaining the Cook Cup.

"Completely unavailable," Jones said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"I signed a four-year contract to make England the best team in the world and I'm going to spend every minute I have doing that.

"So if I took the Lions job I'd have to spend anywhere from six-to-12 months not doing that."

The Lions have never had an Australian coach.

However, Jones would be pleased if as many of his players as possible were unavailable to face Argentina, because it would mean their good form had continued.

"I'd be hopeful we'll be missing at least 15. If we can get 15 in the Lions squad we will have had a good Six Nations, good November Tests," he said.

England's victory over the Wallabies in Saturday's second Test in Melbourne saw them leapfrog Australia into second position in the world rankings.

Meanwhile, Jones said it wasn't his concern who was made Lions skipper but England's Dylan Hartley - who has become the country's most-capped hooker - was emerging as a strong contender.

Axed from the team by former coach Stuart Lancaster because of his poor disciplinary record, Hartley has cleaned up his act and his players are following his fine leadership example.

"He's doing a great job as captain," Jones said.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world