Eddie Jones will be announced as Japan coach tomorrow after a secret interview with Brave Blossoms before taking charge of Australia at the Rugby World Cup

Eddie Jones’ long-awaited return to Japan will be confirmed on Thursday with reports claiming an announcement is imminent.

Despite vehemently denying speculation that he was interested in a return to the Brave Blossoms, Jones is expected to be confirmed as the new coach after resigning from the Wallabies in October.

Jones is said to have conducted a secret interview with the Japanese federation ahead of the Rugby World Cup, overseeing Australia’s disastrous campaign in France.

He was interviewed for a second time last week and appears to have done enough to convince Japan he still has plenty to offer at the top level of rugby, with reports claiming he has signed a four-year deal.

According to Japanese media, he has defeated South African Frans Ludeke and will be unveiled on Thursday.

Jones left the Wallabies in October and is set to return to the Brave Blossoms

Jones, who is half Japanese, previously coached the Brave Blossoms from 2012 to 2015.

In another development, former Wallabies manager Chris Webb is also reportedly joining Jones at the JFRU, having recently flown to Japan.

Webb was met at the airport by the Japanese press, with Sponichi reporting that Webb had stated: ‘Nothing had been decided yet’.

“On the 8th, it was revealed that Eddie Jones (63), who served in the same position from 2012 to 2015, has been confirmed to return as the next Head Coach (HC) of the Japan National Rugby Team,” Sponichi’s website said. .

“If he is approved by the Board of Directors on the 13th, he will be officially appointed for the first time in eight years,” Sponichi reported.

“In terms of selecting the next head coach, Japan Association president Masato Tsuchida, who has a close relationship with Jones, led the return and made a secret offer to Jones, who was Australia’s coach this spring.

‘An open call was held in July, with League 1 Division 1 head coach Fran Rudike nominating Tokyo Bay and others. The final interviews with the two finalists were held in Tokyo on the 7th.

Jones reportedly conducted a secret interview with Japan while coaching Australia

“As originally planned, Mr. Jones was selected.”

Rugby Australia has since ousted Hamish McLennan as chairman after a torrid 2023, with Daniel Herbert taking over.

Jones’ doomed appointment following the sacking of Dave Rennie in January was seen as a captain’s pick, although McLennan claimed the move was backed by the board.