Jones is the popular option to stay in charge until 2023

There has been a lot of talk regarding England head coach Eddie Jones’ contract in the past few days, as discussions about his future with the Rugby Football Union are yet to be made. 

Jones is fresh from leading England to the Rugby World Cup final, where they were beaten by the Springboks 32-12. He is contracted with the RFU until 2021, but it is unclear what the future holds for him, particularly with the risk of knee-jerk reactions after such a loss. 

With his native Australia also without a coach following the resignation of Michael Cheika, Jones will be in high-demand. There is also the question of whether he will want to rebuild a team after coming agonisingly close to winning, particularly as this was his second final that he has lost in his career (the first with Australia in 2003). 

A phrase that has haunted the team for a number of years now has reared its head again.https://t.co/LDPM5WMVXR

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 4, 2019

However, the Australian is still a hugely popular figure amongst England fans, the majority of whom want to see him extend his contract through to the 2023 RWC in France. While all involved with England rugby will still be raw after the loss, a silver medal is an accomplishment that merits another bite of the cherry in four years. 

Many fans on social media are keen to point out where Jones has taken England in four years, as he took over in 2015 following their abject performance in the RWC, where they became the first host nation to fail to make it out of their pool. 

Jones also fielded the youngest ever side in a RWC final, and with a host of promising players at his disposal, he must be aware of the potential of this England side, and must even be curious as to how far they can go. 

While this was not the result that any England fan would have wanted, the performance against the All Blacks in the semi-final exhibited England at their best under Jones, and why so many are keen for him to say.

This is what has been said: 

https://twitter.com/may_bettesworth/status/1190670389615087616?s=20

In Eddie we trust, You have brought England from losing in pool stages to becoming Finalists in the world cup. The England team are now stars.
This is felt at grassroots rugby.
England must carry on, this team is a legacy to happen.
Stay with us Eddie Jones.@davidflatman

— Rhino p (@james_pidgley) November 3, 2019

Eddie Jones best manger England had since sir Clive and certainly one of the best in terms of results in professional age , yes he had lot of ups and down but all teams have that . Far to many aimchair critics on sport when lose, he should stay till least next World Cup.

— Gregory Taylor (@GregoryTaylor86) November 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/Pit_Dxb/status/1191296555934011394?s=20

I think we have been outstanding all the way through, they just hit a wall with South Africa. I have loved watching all the matches and think the team should be proud to have come this far. Well done to both teams and please keep Eddie Jones he is an inspirational coach!

— Stephanie Hanson (@StephanieHanso4) November 2, 2019

I know it won't happen but we should be throwing everything we have at Eddie Jones to keep him here for another 4 years!

— Edson (@MattEdson) November 2, 2019

I really hope the @EnglandRugby keep Eddie Jones around. After all the crap people have given him he’s managed to get English rugby up to the next level. Done a fantastic job.

— Ryan. (@ryanh_468) November 2, 2019

Why have the RFU not opened talks with Eddie Jones yet…look at the strides he’s made with England in four years?!

Give him a shot at going one better in 2023 – it’s a no brainer 🤯#RWC2019 #RWCFinal

— Chris Chohan (@ChrisChohan) November 3, 2019

Great and deserved cheer for Eddie Jones, great man. Young team, average age 27 – can build from here for four years’ time. We’re coming for you.

— MLMC (@MLMC37211431) November 2, 2019

@EnglandRugby I’m sure I’m among many many fans that hope #EddieJones not only extends his contract but also stays on for the World Cup 2023, you have brought a beautiful brand of rugby that has made England fearless and fearsome! A thing to behold!

— Jules. That’s me. Reform.🇬🇧🥩🍺🍸 (@Monty72street) November 3, 2019

It’s very simple. Give him a new contract, strengthen the forward pack, and we have a chance in 2023. Lose Jones, and hire the wrong coach, and we face years without any success. I have zero confidence in the RFU getting it right. https://t.co/IxR4AwWm2Y

— Philip West (@Philip_RJ89) November 3, 2019

From the RFU’s perspective, history can be the greatest teacher in this circumstance, as they chose to keep Sir Clive Woodward on board after they crashed out of the 1999 RWC in the quarter-final, and he guided them to victory four years later. 

Jones is not blameless following England’s loss on Saturday, but if the RFU were willing to keep Woodward on, they can surely afford the same generosity to him. Furthermore, with the slightly suspect track record of appointing new coaches that the RFU has, the public seem to trust Jones as England rebuild for 2023.

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