ARU to search for new Wallaby Head Coach

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) today announced that Eddie Jones will not continue as Head Coach of the Wallabies.

ARU Managing Director Gary Flowers says while the review of the team's Spring Tour is not fully completed, it is clear that the current coaching environment is not delivering the results rugby fans expect.

"Professional Rugby is a result based game - one win in nine matches is far from satisfactory," Mr Flowers said.

"The decision to search for a new coach was only reached after carefully considering the information that has been gleaned from our review and consultation with key people.

"This is a very difficult decision, but the ARU strongly believes we must give the Wallabies a fresh start with a new coach who will give us the best possible chance of future success.

"While the ARU Board has decided to search for a new coach, we also recognise that Eddie Jones has made an enormous contribution to the game."

Mr Flowers said this included a very good rugby program, work ethic and a great achievement in taking the Wallabies to the Final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

He said that the review of Wallaby support structures will continue.

"I want to make it clear to all Rugby supporters that process will continue and it will leave no stone unturned.

"However, it was clear that we needed to act now on the position of head coach.

"We will now be able to move forward and get on with the job of searching for a high calibre head coach to lead a coaching team that will get the best out of Australia's elite rugby players."

"This is not an easy decision, but it is in the best interests of Australian Rugby.

Mr Flowers says a panel will be assembled immediately to begin the process to appoint a new Head Coach. The Panel will consist of Dr Peter Davis (ARU General Manager of High Performance), former Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen and another experienced high performance Rugby identity yet to be determined.

The panel will seek input from past and present players and is expected to make a recommendation to the ARU Board in February.