Eddie Jones breaks silence: 'Nothing is off the table'

Former England head coach Eddie Jones has broken his silence, speaking to respected Australian rugby league writer Danny Weidler in the Sydney Moring Herald.

Jones was sacked on Tuesday after overseeing England’s worst year of results since 2008, despite a 74 per cent win recording in the job.

The 62-year-old Australian has been linked to roles with the US Eagles and a switch to the NRL, with his childhood favourites, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Jones told Weidler he was ready ‘for whatever challenge’ lay ahead, be it in rugby union or league.

“In this job I’ve learnt it’s impossible to avoid being moved on. It comes with the gig. But I’m proud of what we accomplished in my time here [with England] and I wish I had the opportunity to finish what I started.”

“All the critics are having their say,” said Jones. “My only response is that I have coached a certain way my whole career and I’m happy with that, and I’m not about to change anything when it comes to my dedication, expectations and determination to get things done. I’m not going to get into anything more than that.

“As for my next step, well I think everyone knows I love a scrap and I’m up for whatever challenge is next. I’m open to looking at everything in rugby and I’ve made no secret of my wish to give the NRL a go, too. Nothing is off the table. Nothing. It’s all about the right job at the right time and I’ll look at it all.”

Leicester director of rugby Steve Borthwick has refused to comment on speculation linking him to becoming England’s new head coach.

Former England captain Borthwick is the favourite to succeed Jones. Speaking ahead of Leicester’s opening Heineken Champions Cup game, Borthwick said: “We play Ospreys on Sunday night and that’s what I’m focused upon. That’s what my team is focused upon, and that’s what we’ve been focused upon all week.

“Within Leicester Tigers and this team here, there is no talk here of anything other than the game on Sunday night.

“I don’t think anyone can possibly doubt how committed I have been since the minute I walked through this door to give the best I can for this team, and that is my intention again this week to get the performance we want.”