Eddie Jones to lead Australia to Rugby World Cup

Dave Rennie has been sacked as the Wallabies coach in favour of former mentor Eddie Jones.

Jones has signed a five-year deal which will see him also oversee the Wallaroos program.

The former Wallabies coach will take the reins effectively immediately as the team builds towards the 2023 World Cup.

Jones said it was a great honour to lead Australia during these times.

"The Wallabies squad is a really talented group of players with good depth — if we can have everyone fit and healthy going into the World Cup this year, I am confident that we can go to France and break the 24-year drought of winning the Rugby World Cup."

Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said Jones deep understanding of the Australia rugby system will serve the game in the country well.

"It is a major coup for Australian rugby to have the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and to oversee the Wallaroos program."

This year's World Cup is being staged in France beginning in early September.

IMAGE: FILE