Old teammates Jones, Cheika to clash in Rugby Championship
May 10, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Two former teammates at Sydney club Randwick will go head-to-head on a much bigger stage in the second round of the Rugby Championship,
Eddie Jones is back from England and starting his second stint as coach of Australia.
Eddie Jones gathers first Wallabies squad for training camp
April 17, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Prospective World Cup Wallabies met new head coach Eddie Jones for the first time Monday, admitting a little anxiety about what might lie ahead of them under the famously tough taskmaster.
Jones picks 6 rookies for his first Wallabies camp of 2023
April 3, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Eddie Jones omitted halves options James O’Conner, Tate McDermott and Noah Lolesio and selected six uncapped players, including teenager Max Jorgensen and Melbourne playmaker Carter Gordon, in a 33-man squad for his first camp since returning as head coach of the Wallabies.
6 Nations: Smith out, Ford back for England for France game
February 28, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Marcus Smith was left out of England’s training camp on Tuesday ahead of the Six Nations match against France, with George Ford preferred as the backup flyhalf to captain Owen Farrell.
Jones hires ex-NRL star Hodgson as Australia’s defense coach
February 27, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Eddie Jones has appointed ex-NRL star Brett Hodgson as defense coach on a two-year deal as he starts building Australia’s management structure ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Rugby Australia announced the appointment Monday, the first since Jones returned as Wallabies head coach last month at the expense of Dave Rennie.
Eddie Jones looks to Super Rugby for Wallabies pointers
February 23, 2023 GMTWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Super Rugby Pacific begins on Friday, carrying more importance in a World Cup year in which it will be part of the limited preparation of the national teams.
The tournament may be more important still for returning Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones, whose relatively short lead-in to the World Cup kicking off in September means the Super Rugby season will be his first chance to accurately map the Australian rugby landscape.
Eddie Jones at Super Rugby season launch, already scouting
February 15, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Eddie Jones is already in Rugby World Cup selection mode.
The launch Wednesday was for Australia’s five franchises in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, which kicks off next week.
Farrell given more control to unlock England backs vs Italy
February 10, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — England under new management did not have an auspicious start.
And after England was overtaken by Scotland 29-23 last Saturday at Twickenham to open the Six Nations, new coach Steve Borthwick wasn't slow with excuses.
Jones’ first test back on home soil against Pumas in Sydney
February 10, 2023 GMTBRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Eddie Jones’ first test at home in his second stint as Australia’s head coach will be against Argentina in Sydney on July 15, two weeks before the Wallabies host the New Zealand All Blacks in Melbourne.
Cockerill to leave England coaching role after Six Nations
February 7, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Richard Cockerill will leave England's coaching staff to join French rugby club Montpellier, a departure that ends all ties to Eddie Jones' era in charge of the national team.
Since Steve Borthwick replaced Jones as head coach, members of the Australian's backroom staff — Matt Proudfoot, Brett Hodgson, Martin Gleeson — have left one by one and Cockerill is the last to go.
Six Nations: England launches new era against Scotland
February 2, 2023 GMTThe oldest fixture in rugby union was, not so long ago, one of the most one-sided.
From 1991-2007, England and Scotland met 29 times. Scotland won just three of the games — and all of those victories came in grim Edinburgh weather at its home of Murrayfield.
Vern Cotter steps down as Fiji rugby coach
February 2, 2023 GMTVern Cotter stepped down as Fiji coach on Thursday little more than eight months out from the Rugby World Cup in France.
Fiji Rugby Union chairman Humphrey Tawake told a hastily arranged news conference in Suva that Cotter’s resignation for undisclosed personal reasons was accepted.
Australian rugby coach Eddie Jones is back for 2nd stint
January 31, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Eddie Jones made his first appearance as the new Wallabies coach on Tuesday by saying his immediate goal was to win the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
Jones, who says he is “not the messiah,” began his second stint in charge of Australia this week after being announced as the new coach two weeks ago.
Six Nations: England opens new era with Steve Borthwick
January 27, 2023 GMTA look at England's rugby team ahead of the Six Nations starting on Feb. 4:
Six Nations rivals expect revivals from Gatland, Borthwick
January 23, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Six Nations opponents expect new coaches Warren Gatland and Steve Borthwick to give their struggling sides a massive shot in the arm going into the tournament.
Gatland and Borthwick were given charge of Wales and England last month after Six Nations winners Wayne Pivac and Eddie Jones were fired for too many losses last year.
Borthwick retains Farrell as captain in England rugby squad
January 16, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Steve Borthwick made his first big calls since being hired as England's rugby coach, retaining Owen Farrell as captain despite his latest suspension and opting Monday to omit experienced players Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
Eddie Jones is in, Dave Rennie out as Wallabies head coach
January 16, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Rugby Australia said Monday it has hired Eddie Jones to be the head coach of the Wallabies, as well as overseeing the women's team, on a long-term deal until 2027.
It said current head coach Dave Rennie “will depart the position." He had spent three seasons with the Wallabies.
England pick ideal successor to Jones in Borthwick
December 19, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Steve Borthwick was England rugby's first choice to replace Eddie Jones as the national coach.
Borthwick was expected to take over from Jones next year after the Rugby World Cup in France but the promotion was accelerated when Jones was fired this month, and confirmed on Monday.
England rugby coach Eddie Jones fired after poor run
December 6, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England coach Eddie Jones was fired on Tuesday, less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup.
Jones, who took charge after the 2015 World Cup, led England to the final of the tournament in 2019 and won three Six Nations titles in his seven years in charge.
England wants a good full 80, Boks want to end barren run
November 25, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — One intrigue at Twickenham on Saturday is discovering which England shows up against South Africa.
The England that threw caution to the wind and torched New Zealand by 19 points in seven minutes to force a draw?
England scores 7 tries, beats Japan 52-13 in rugby test
November 12, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England maintained its 100% record against Japan by scoring seven tries in a 52-13 win at Twickenham on Saturday to bounce back from a lackluster loss to Argentina.
With a potential autumn sweep of losses now off the table, Eddie Jones’ team will go into year-closing tests against New Zealand and South Africa in much greater heart and, in Freddie Steward, a fullback in top form.
England under pressure to beat Japan after Pumas loss
November 10, 2022 GMTWith South Africa and New Zealand looming, England is under massive pressure to beat Japan at Twickenham on Saturday after the lackluster loss to Argentina.
Following the 30-29 defeat to the Pumas, coach Eddie Jones was upbeat and didn't believe England had “strong problems." A day or two later, he blamed himself and complacency, in that he was thinking of strategy for next year's Rugby World Cup.
Tuilagi, Vunipola dropped by England for test vs. Japan
November 10, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England dropped center Manu Tuilagi and No. 8 Billy Vunipola for the rugby test against Japan on Saturday as Eddie Jones' team looks to rebound after launching the autumn internationals with a lackluster loss to Argentina.
Lawes will captain England in autumn rugby tests if fit
October 17, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Owen Farrell was acclaimed as an "icon of the game” but Courtney Lawes will continue to captain England in their autumn rugby tests next month.
For all his influence on the team, Farrell was replaced as captain last autumn, initially because of ankle issues that also forced him to miss the Six Nations.
England hooker George out of autumn tests after foot injury
October 4, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Hooker Jamie George has been ruled out of England's autumn rugby tests because of a foot injury.
George was hurt while playing for Saracens on Saturday, and departed with his left foot in a boot.
Southgate says faith in players influenced by Eddie Jones
September 23, 2022 GMTMILAN (AP) — England coach Gareth Southgate is taking inspiration from his rugby counterpart, Eddie Jones, by continuing to pick valued players even if they are not regularly competing at the highest level.
Farrell extends deal as Ireland rugby coach after beating NZ
July 29, 2022 GMTDUBLIN (AP) — With his stock high after masterminding a series win in New Zealand, Andy Farrell signed a contract extension as Ireland rugby coach on Friday that ties him to the position until 2025.
Rugby Australia condemns verbal abuse of England coach Jones
July 18, 2022 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Rugby Australia has denounced the behavior of a fan who verbally abused visiting coach Eddie Jones and imposed a life ban on a man who climbed onto the roof of a grandstand during England’s series-deciding win over Australia in Sydney on the weekend.
England beats Australia 21-17 to clinch 3-match series
July 16, 2022 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — England held on through a 12-phase Wallabies attack with four minutes remaining to beat Australia 21-17 and clinch the three-match rugby series in the decider at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Itoje, Underhill out of England squad for decisive 3rd test
July 11, 2022 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Lock Maro Itoje and flanker Sam Underhill have been withdrawn from England’s squad for the series-deciding rugby test against Australia after sustaining concussions in last Saturday’s 25-17 win in Brisbane.
Eddie Jones says too many penalty cards are spoiling rugby
July 10, 2022 GMTBRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Eddie Jones is seeing red. And yellow. They’re referee’s penalty cards, and the outspoken England coach says he’s seeing far too many of them in rugby.
Jones took a few minutes after England’s series-equaling 25-17 win over the Wallabies on Saturday to criticize the game's laws, adding it’s “out of control.”
Drought broken: Wallabies aiming for series win over England
July 8, 2022 GMTBRISBANE, Australia (AP) — The Wallabies are getting new dad Taniela Tupou back from injury and giving Noah Lolesio plenty of notice that he’ll be filling the play-making role, enhancing their prospects for a series-clinching win against England.
Petaia at fullback for Wallabies, England shuffles back line
July 7, 2022 GMTBRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Jordan Petaia will start at fullback while former rugby league star Suliasi Vunivalu will have to wait for a Wallabies debut after being overlooked to play England in the second test on Saturday.
Wallabies overcome red card, injuries to beat England 30-28
July 2, 2022 GMTPERTH, Australia (AP) — A 14-man Australia also endured a swath of injuries to beat England 30-28 in the series-opening test in Perth on Saturday.
The Wallabies were forced to play a man down for more than half the match after lock Darcy Swain was sent off for headbutting opposite Jonny Hill in retaliation.
No big surprise: England rugby coach Jones in spotlight
July 1, 2022 GMTOnly a guy like Eddie Jones could have an eight-match winning streak over the Wallabies and still be facing questions about his future as England rugby coach.
But ahead of the first test against Australia in Perth, Western Australia on Saturday, the Australia-born Jones says he enjoys the pressure and even thrives on it.
Vunipola picked for Australia tour amid England No. 8 crisis
June 20, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Billy Vunipola was called up by England for the first time since the 2021 Six Nations as the solution to the team's crisis at No. 8 for next month’s rugby tour to Australia.
Injuries to Alex Dombrandt and Sam Simmonds opened the door for Vunipola to make the 36-man touring party to face the Wallabies over three tests, starting in Perth on July 2.
Backheeled conversion caps Barbarians’ 52-21 rout of England
June 19, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — A cheeky backheeled conversion capped a scintillating eight-try display by the Barbarians as the invitational rugby team thrashed England 52-21 despite playing with 14 men for 43 minutes of the match at Twickenham on Sunday.
England to play 3-test rugby series in Australia in July
April 5, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England will travel to Australia for a three-test rugby series in July, with Sydney Cricket Ground hosting the final match for its first international since 1986.
England last toured Australia in 2016, sweeping the three-test series in Eddie Jones's first year as coach to start an eight-match winning run against the Wallabies.
Eddie Jones urges patience after Six Nations, backed by RFU
March 20, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Eddie Jones has urged England to “have some faith” in his ability to lead the team to a successful Rugby World Cup next year despite presiding over another failed Six Nations campaign.
Willis could make unlikely return for England against France
March 14, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Jack Willis could make an unlikely comeback for England in the Six Nations match against Grand Slam-chasing France in Paris on Saturday.
Willis has been picked in the squad for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in last year’s championship.
Ireland go to Twickenham seeking breakthrough road win
March 10, 2022 GMTFor all of Ireland's resurgence under coach Andy Farrell, one significant milestone continues to elude them.
That is going to another major team's turf, defying the hostile crowd and beating them.
6N: England ruins Welsh title hopes with 23-19 victory
February 26, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Wales’ realistic ambitions of retaining its Six Nations rugby title were extinguished with a 23-19 loss to England despite a three-try fightback in the second half by the champion at Twickenham on Saturday.
Tuilagi back from injury, joins England camp for Six Nations
February 15, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England will be reinforced in the next round of the Six Nations by the return of several frontline players from injury, including explosive center Manu Tuilagi.
Eddie Jones’ team revived its title hopes by claiming a bonus-point victory over Italy in Rome to move to second place ahead of a showdown with Wales at Twickenham on Feb.
England up against injuries, recent history vs Scotland
February 3, 2022 GMTAn injury crisis. A rookie captain. Just one win in the last four against Scotland. Even the prospect of some nasty Scottish winter weather.
Maybe Eddie Jones has a point about his England side being the underdog for its Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Lawes and Hill ruled out of England’s Six Nations opener
February 1, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Forwards Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill will miss England's opener in the Six Nations rugby tournament against Scotland on Saturday.
Six Nations is back with fans but without a clear favorite
January 29, 2022 GMTEngland is the highest ranked and most well-resourced rugby team in Europe.
Ireland is on an eight-test winning run including knocking over the All Blacks.
France also has a recent victory over New Zealand and is improving quicker than any test nation ahead of hosting next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Preview capsules on each team in the Six Nations
January 28, 2022 GMTENGLAND
Six Nations is back, with fans but without a clear favorite
January 28, 2022 GMTEngland is the highest ranked and most well-resourced rugby team in Europe.
Ireland is on an eight-test winning run including knocking over the All Blacks.
France also has a recent victory over New Zealand and is improving quicker than any test nation ahead of hosting next year’s Rugby World Cup.
England without Farrell and possibly May for Six Nations
January 26, 2022 GMTEngland will be without its captain — and possibly its leading try-scorer, too — for the entire Six Nations rugby tournament because of injury, a damaging blow to its bid to regain its status as the best team in the Northern Hemisphere.
Farrell to miss start of 6N for England, May also injured
January 24, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England will be without its captain and maybe its most likely try-scorer for the start of the Six Nations rugby tournament.
Owen Farrell was ruled out of England's opening game of the tournament against Scotland at Murrayfield on Feb.
6N: England retains Farrell as captain, Biggar to lead Wales
January 18, 2022 GMTEngland and Wales will both be led by flyhalves in the Six Nations.
The teams announced their enlarged squads for the upcoming competition on Tuesday, with Owen Farrell retained as England captain despite not playing any rugby since November when he sustained an ankle injury in the win over Australia.
Boks set for front-row dominance in RWC rematch with England
November 18, 2021 GMTWatching back the 2019 Rugby World Cup final hasn’t been part of Tom Curry’s preparations for England’s test match against the South Africa on Saturday.
Injured England captain Farrell missing Springboks test
November 15, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — Captain Owen Farrell and hooker Jamie George have been sidelined by injuries from England's squad to face South Africa this weekend at Twickenham.
Farrell hurt an ankle and George a knee on Saturday while beating Australia 32-15.
England rugby team loses 2nd prop in COVID ‘rollercoaster’
November 12, 2021 GMTEngland was forced to make a late change to its starting lineup for Saturday’s rugby test against Australia after losing another prop on what coach Eddie Jones called their COVID-19 “rollercoaster.”
Smith handed big England chance after Raducanu comparisons
November 11, 2021 GMTEnglish rugby has a potential superstar in its midst in Marcus Smith, and Eddie Jones knows that all too well.
It’s why Jones — in comments that have been pounced on by some as crass and irresponsible — has chosen to warn the 22-year-old flyhalf of the distractions of potentially being the next big thing in his sport, using surprise U.S.
Farrell cleared for England after false-positive virus test
November 7, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — England captain Owen Farrell was cleared to face Australia next weekend after his COVID-19 case was confirmed as a false-positive on Sunday.
Farrell missed the 69-3 rout of Tonga at Twickenham on Saturday after being forced to isolate because of the result of a test taken on Thursday.
Captain Owen Farrell out of England test vs Tonga
November 6, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — England captain Owen Farrell was ruled out of the rugby test against Tonga on Saturday a day after testing positive for the coronavirus.
England made the announcement just an over an hour before kickoff at a sold-out Twickenham.
England captain Farrell tests positive for virus
November 5, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — England captain Owen Farrell has tested positive for the coronavirus on the eve of their rugby test against Tonga at Twickenham.
Farrell on Friday wasn't ruled out of Saturday's match, pending more COVID-19 tests.
England has Farrell at 10 and recalls Tuilagi for Tonga
November 4, 2021 GMTLONDON (AP) — England's plan to start Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell in a playmaking axis against Tonga on Saturday at Twickenham has been delayed by Smith's unspecified leg injury.
Coach Eddie Jones wanted to pick Smith at flyhalf but his limited training forced him to settle for a bench role.