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Jones quits Reds
Phil Lutton
Monday, May 21, 2007
Queensland Reds coach Eddie Jones has resigned.
Jones offered his resignation today to Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) chairman Peter Lewis after a season where the Reds took the Super 14 wooden spoon.
In a joint statement, both parties said the decision had been made in the best interests of the Reds, to allow Queensland Rugby to make long term decisions on the coaching structure.
Jones will continue in the role for the time being to assist with the post-season review and the orderly transition to a new coach.
"This is a regrettable but amicable parting of the ways," Lewis said.
"Eddie's family is relocating to the UK and, while he had initially announced his intention to coach the Reds in 2008, he decided that it was in Queensland Rugby's best interests to recruit a successor now rather than endure 12 months of instability and speculation.
"While we would have loved to have Eddie see out his full three year term, we respect his decision and welcome his willingness to assist with an orderly transition.
"Queensland Rugby owes Eddie Jones a debt of gratitude for the contribution he has made and will continue to make over the next couple of months. Few people realise just how hard he worked for the Reds and how disappointed he is that it hasn't worked out how we all wished.
"His legacy is a more professional attitude and structure; enhanced facilities and programs, and the development of young players to step into the gaps left by the rotten bad luck he's had with injuries this season.
"I've always found Eddie to be honest and hard working, and he's been especially helpful in his work with sponsors and the 48-10 club, for which I thank him."
Jones said he was sorry to be leaving the Reds but would help wherever required to make the transition as smooth and professional as possible.
"Given all the recent speculation in the media and in general, Peter and I thought it was in the best interests of Queensland Rugby that I move on.
"'I look forward to overseeing the transition to the new coach and ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible," he said.
Queensland Rugby CEO Ken Freer said the Board will assemble later this week to settle on a process for recruiting a successor and that he would welcome Eddie Jones' involvement in that process.
"It's vital that we get this settled quickly and we will be keen to do that," Freer said.
Jones and Lewis will be holding a press conference this afternoon at Ballymore.
Wallabies assistant coach Michael Foley, Auckland Blues coach David Nucifora and former Wallaby Pat Howard are among the leading contenders for the job.