Eddie Jones: Australia coach says 'I'm staying' and denies link with Japan
- Published
Eddie Jones led Australia to the 2003 World Cup final in his first spell in charge
Head coach Eddie Jones says he remains committed to Australia despite their early exit from the World Cup.
The Wallabies were knocked out at the group stage for the first time after defeats by Fiji and Wales.
Former England coach Jones also denied speculation linking him with a return as Japan coach.
"I'm staying," said Jones, who began his second spell in charge of Australia in January and has a contract until 2027.
"I've always been committed to Australian rugby. I want to leave it in a better place and that's still the job.
"It's not absolutely my decision. We play in a game where the coach doesn't decide how long they stay."
Jones, who coached Australia from 2001 to 2005, was sacked by England in December.
It has been reported, external that he was interviewed by Japan, whom he coached from 2012 to 2015, days before Australia began their World Cup campaign.
The 63-year-old Australian, whose mother and wife are Japanese, said he had "no idea" where the story came from, adding: "I haven't spoken to anyone."
Rugby Australia has announced an independent review into the team's performance at the World Cup, but Jones said he sticks by his decision to select a young side and that it would stand them in "good stead" for a home World Cup in 2027.
"I went to the World Cup, came in [with] a short period of time, had to make a decision on the team, made a decision we needed to go with youth," he said.
"While the results at the World Cup weren't the results we wanted, I think I've left the Australian team in a great position to go on to 2027."
Australia beat Georgia in their World Cup opener and Portugal in their final Pool C match, but defeats by Fiji and Wales left them third in the group.
"We just weren't good enough," Jones said.
"You've just got to watch the quarter-finals. We're not at that level and we can't pretend to be at that level, but can we be at that level by 2027? Yes we can."