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Pick Me

Former Aussie coach Eddie Jones wants to manage England

Eddie Jones has issued a come and get me plea to the Rugby Football Union, who are looking for Martin Johnson’s replacement.

EDDIE JONES HAS expressed his interest in taking over from Martin Johnson as manager of the England rugby team.

The former Australia coach says that the rewards of getting England back on track are huge, especially given the fact that the 2015 World Cup will be played on home soil.

Johnson stepped down from his role on Wednesday after a less than impressive showing from his side in New Zealand this Autumn.

“You’d always be interested in coaching England,” Jones told BBC Radio Five Live.

“It has got a fantastic domestic competition, very, very good players and you have just got to get the right programme in place and they should be good enough to win the next World Cup.”

Jones previously coached Australia to the 2003 World Cup Final, where they lost to Clive Woodward’s England, and was also credited as the brains behind South Africa’s victory in France four years later.

The 51-year-old says he would not be put off by the state of the RFU’s senior management structure.

“Over the last period of time England rugby has lost its way and you’d have to question the people in place now,” Jones said.

“That is the challenge of getting it right. If you get it right, the benefits are absolutely enormous. That is the challenge of it and that is the exciting part of it.

“You’ve got to find the right style of play, just as (Sir Clive) Woodward did over that period (up to 2003), work with the clubs and ensure the players are in peak condition.”

One man who will not be taking over from Johnson is former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett, who says he wishes to spend more time with his family. Mallett revealed he was approached by the RFU before the confirmation of Johnson’s exit.

“After mulling it over for a few days and discussing the opportunity with close friends and family, I have decided that I will not be making myself available for the position and I have disclosed this to the RFU,” Mallett said.

For more information on Mallett’s decision, check out the BBC’s website >

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