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Eddie Jones's short-lived second stint in charge of the Wallabies is reportedly all but over after Rugby Australia axed a handful of his trusted allies.
A number of Wallabies staff have been let go by Rugby Australia following the team's disastrous World Cup campaign, including highly-respected team manager Chris Webb.
Most of the staff were only contracted until the end of the tournament, but News Corp reports that many were brought in by Jones upon his arrival earlier this year, including team psychologists, indicating that the tide is turning against him.
The report also states that Jones has his own escape route by way of exit clauses included in his $4.5million contract, which allow him to break his deal if Rugby Australia fails to secure private investment funding or provide a centralised model. Both objectives have not been achieved yet.
The staff exodus was part of a Rugby Australia 'cleanout' but signals a lack of faith in the esteemed coach, who reportedly interviewed for the head coach role with Japan before the tournament.
Jones denies the rumours but reports in Japan have claimed he is close to rejoining the Brave Blossoms after his successful spell in Asia in 2015.
News Corp adds that Webb's departure has 'disappointed' Jones, while assistant coaches Jason Ryles, Brett Hodgson, Dan Palmer, Neil Hatley, Pierre-Henry Broncan and Berrick Barnes have also been shown the door.
Should Jones decide to trigger an exit clause, it would save Rugby Australia from a full-term payout of his contract, which runs until 2027.
He insisted last week that he is fully committed to the Wallabies job.
'I loved seeing some of the young players maturing during the World Cup - and some struggled, and that is part of it,' Jones said.
'Most of them showed ... they have enough to really go forward and be very good players for Australia.
'We throw in a few other players from around the place and we have a nucleus of a really good team.'
After fiercely defending his youth policy despite the Wallabies only registering unconvincing wins over minnows Portugal and Georgia in nine Tests this year, Jones fessed up to one regret in 2023.
'The only thing I regret is probably telling the press to give themselves an uppercut,' he said of his infamous pre-World Cup press conference at Sydney airport.
'But sometimes you say things in the heat of the moment that you regret.
'I probably need to give myself an uppercut, don't I? I did not like the way that media conference was portrayed, but it was probably not the wisest thing.'
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/rugb...59d4b91&ei=187
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