Rugby: Jones keen for Japan job

Eddie Jones. Photo / Getty Images

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones says he has the "passion'' to improve Japanese rugby if he is appointed to replace All Blacks legend John Kirwan as the country's coach.

"I've always had a passion for Japanese rugby. Obviously, now is the time when, if it doesn't change, it's going to be very difficult for the game to get forward,'' he told reporters.

Jones, 51, has been guiding Japan's major Top League side Suntory Sungoliath since 2009.

Jones, who took the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final, which they lost to England, has emerged as the likely successor to Kirwan after Japan came home winless from New Zealand.

Kirwan, who failed to break the Brave Blossoms' 20-year World Cup win drought, has said he would not seek a new contract when his current five-year deal expires in December.

Jones denied that he had already been approached by the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) for the national coach's job.

"If Japan came to me, I'd be very, very pleased as it's a great honour.''

He said he would "definitely'' take the national team job if all conditions are met, including "Suntory's blessing.''

Jones said Kirwan, 46, "definitely improved'' both the team and a number of players.

He said what Japan lacked the most was the "consistency of their application of skills.'' He added their "decision-making positions'' needed to be improved.

Japan will host the World Cup in 2019 and will be looking to avoid the embarrassment of becoming the first host country to fail to make the knockout stages.

JRFU vice president Nobby Mashimo told AFP that no specific name had been raised as a candidate to replace Kirwan, a hero of New Zealand's triumph in the inaugural 1987 World Cup on home turf.

On Saturday, the Top League, the country's premier rugby union division, will start its season, which was shortened due to the World Cup and will end in late February.

"I think it would be great if we can make a decision (on the new coach) by the year-end,'' he said.

The JRFU is scheduled to hold a board meeting on Saturday to review the Brave Blossoms' coaching structure.

- NEWSTALK ZB