What lies ahead for Eddie Jones after agreeing new England deal?
Jones took England to the Rugby World Cup final in Japan last year.
Eddie Jones has signed a new contract which will see him remain as England head coach until the World Cup in 2023.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the challenges ahead after Jones’ signed up again.
Was it the best time to announce a new contract?
While the world battles against coronavirus there is more focus on those in sport taking pay cuts rather than signing new deals.
It has brought rugby – and sport – to a halt with financial instability rife and Jones had already taken a pay cut of more than 25 per cent before his contract announcement, with the RFU forecasting losses of up to £50m over the next 18 months.
The announcement was delayed by the outbreak and RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said his thoughts were with everyone impacted by the virus, before adding that in “exceptionally difficult times” he was “pleased to be sharing some good news”.
Can Jones emulate Woodward and turn England into the world’s greatest?
His new contract will see him overtake Sir Clive Woodward, who coached England to World Cup glory in 2003, as England’s longest-serving boss.
Jones has doubled down on his goal now that he has signed a new deal, saying: “Now we want to be the team that is remembered as being the greatest team the game has ever seen. It’s a big ambition but I believe we are capable of doing it.”
It will be another long road but he has the foundations to build on.
Can Jones use the lockdown to develop the character of his squad?
He said: “Rugby is a game that has always espoused teamwork and one of the things we talk about with the England side all the time is how you can become a better team-mate. Now for everyone, it’s how you become a better citizen.”
After Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish was forced to apologise after flaunting the lockdown at the weekend, Jones’ rugby stars can prove themselves to be the citizens he wants.
What is next on the agenda?
Beyond that there is the prospect of possibly finishing the 2020 Six Nations tournament later in the year.
Several matches were postponed, including England’s clash against Italy, and there is no guarantee the competition will restart. If there is a resumption England, who lie joint top of the table with France, have a shot at winning the title.
