Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones will coach England into the next Rugby World Cup, after signing a four-year contract with the RFU.
Jones had signed a three-year deal with South African Super Rugby side, the Stormers, before the departure of Stuart Lancaster from England, but jumped at the opportunity to return to an international job.
The 55-year-old led Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final and was the last Australian coach to lead the Wallabies to a Bledisloe Cup victory.
Jones was a part of South Africa’s coaching team when the Springboks won the Cup in 2007.
Jones found Super Rugby success with the Brumbies, coaching them to their first title in 2001 - the first win by an Australian franchise.
His most recent success came with Japan's national team, whom he coached in the most recent World Cup.
The Brave Blossoms sprung one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history on the tournament’s opening weekend, beating South Africa in the dying stages of their Pool B clash.
Jones’s appointment sets up an intriguing showdown in Australia next year when the Wallabies host England in a three-Test series in June.
His first game in charge will be England’s Six Nations match against Scotland in February 2016.
Jones thanked the Stormers for cooperating with his release.
“The opportunity to take the reins in possibly the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day , and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity,” he said.
“I’m now looking forward to working with the RFU and the players to move beyond the disappointment England suffered at the World Cup and hope to build a new team that will reflect the level of talent that exists within the English game.
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said the union had aimed to recruit someone with international experience, with Jones quickly established as a target for the job.
