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Cape Town - Eddie Jones has thanked the Western Province Rugby Union for releasing him to become England’s new coach.
The English RFU on Friday appointed Jones as head coach on a four-year contract, starting in December.
The announcement come barely a week after Jones was unveiled as the new Stormers coach, but he was approached by England this week and accepted their offer.
“Firstly my thanks must go to Rob Wagner (CEO) and everyone at Western Province Rugby for understanding my decision and allowing me to return to the international stage so quickly," Jones said on England Rugby’s official website.
"The opportunity to take the reins in, possibly, the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day however, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity.
“I’m now looking forward to working with the RFU and the players to move beyond the disappointment England suffered at the World Cup and hope to build a new team that will reflect the level of talent that exists within the English game. I believe the future is bright for England.”
RFU CEO Ian Ritchie thanked the Stormers for their co-operation.
“We are confident Eddie can build on the strong foundations already laid, with this talented group of players largely remaining together through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and beyond. We are grateful to the Stormers for their co-operation in releasing Eddie early from his contract,” said Ritchie.
