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02 April 2020

Eddie Jones agrees new contract with RFU to see England through 2023 World Cup

Head coach Eddie Jones has signed a new deal with England rugby to remain with the side until after the World Cup in France in 2023, making him the longest-serving England head coach of all time.

The 60-year-old Australian, who led England to the World Cup final in Japan in November, took up the position in 2015 and was due initially to finish his tenure in July 2021.

His impressive CV also includes two Six Nations titles and his 78 per cent win ratio is the highest of any England coach.

Jones referred to the extension as 'a great honour for me, but in the current environment it is only right to acknowledge what a difficult time the world is facing'.

He added: "We are all looking forward to a time when we can get back to playing rugby and use the sport as a force for good in bringing people back together."

He also revealed that staying for another World Cup cycle was not initially his plan when he took on the role.

"I never thought coming here four years ago I would be doing a second four years but the circumstances are right," he said.

"Obviously it is important for the team that we keep improving and my focus will be solely on that."

Jones said his goal is still to make the England team the "greatest" sporting side in history adding: "I am excited about raising the standards again. 

"We have a great team. We set out four years ago to be the best team in the world and unfortunately we missed that by 80 minutes."

England lost 12-32 to South Africa in the final in Japan but this has not deterred Jones in his ambitions.

"Now we want to be the team that is remembered as being the greatest team the game has ever seen," he said.

 "It's a big ambition but I believe we are capable of doing it.

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