Eddie Jones' days as Wallabies head coach are reportedly numbered, with media outlets claiming he's returning to his old role with Japan.
Before a ball was even kicked at this year's World Cup in France, Jones reportedly met with Japan Rugby officials, understood to be an interview process to replace outgoing Kiwi coach Jamie Joseph.
After the Wallabies' defeat to Wales in poolplay - a result that effectively sealed Australia's exit - Jones denied all claims he had met with Japan and re-affirmed commitment to his current role.
According to the UK's The Telegraph, Jones will fall on his sword and resign from his post, after guiding the Wallabies to their worst World Cup finish, failing to make it to the knockout stages for the first time.
Japanese website Sponichi backs up those claims and confirms Jones will likely succeed Joseph in charge of the 'Brave Blossoms'.
Resigning rather than being sacked would see Jones forgo a huge payout from Rugby Australia, with less than one year of his five-year contract elapsed at the time of the reported Japanese interest.
Jones, 63, took charge of Australia for a second time at the start of 2023, after Kiwi Dave Rennie was sacked.
He signed a contract until the end of the next Rugby World Cup, to be hosted across the Tasman, backed by Rugby Australia to build a team that could contend at their home tournament, but from there, things have gone backwards for the Wallabies..
In nine tests this year, Australia have won only two against minnows Georgia and Portugal at this year's World Cup.
Despite that, the Wallabies missed out on qualifying for the World Cup quarter-finals by the barest of margins - a head-to-head countback - as Portugal stunned Fiji in their final pool match.
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