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Eddie Jones has been assured his job as England head coach is safe for now.
A disappointing Six Nations performance does not appear to have substantially altered the Rugby Football Union’s stance on the former Australia and Japan coach.
It means Jones is set to lead England on their tour when they face the Wallabies three times in July, and increases the likelihood he will remain in charge heading into a World Cup year. Jones has a contract that runs to the end of the 2023 World Cup in France, and the 62-year-old intends to step away from the job after that tournament.
England’s fortunes have nosedived since winning the 2020 Six Nations, and the Triple Crown in that championship. They have finished with two wins from five Six Nations games in each of the last two campaigns, which in 2021 saw them finish fifth but this time around was good enough for third place.
That was a distant third to second-placed Ireland, however, and England could not prevent France clinching a Grand Slam when the teams met on Saturday evening in Paris.
An RFU spokesperson said: “Eddie Jones is building a new England team and against a clear strategy we are encouraged by the solid progress the team has made during this Six Nations campaign.”
England were narrowly beaten by Scotland, before defeating Italy and Wales, raising hopes of a strong finish to the championship.
Yet a 32-15 Twickenham loss to lreland, after Charlie Ewels was sent off in the second minute, ended hopes of a championship challenge, and was followed by England going down 25-13 at the Stade de France.
The spokesperson added: “Eddie and his team of coaches and players will conduct a full review as is normal after each tournament.
“The RFU advisory panel which consists of board and executive members, former players and coaches along with Eddie will also undertake a de-brief to discuss the strong positive steps forward during this campaign and the areas we need to address.
“The advisory group has been in place since 2019, and it meets regularly both during and after each tournament to evaluate clear targets and progression.
“The RFU continues to fully support Eddie, the coaching team and players and we are excited about the summer tour and the progress to rebuild a winning England team.”
