Eddie Jones has been fired as the manager of England, according to the Rugby Football Union.
After taking the job in 2015, the Australian managed England for seven years before receiving word from the RFU on Tuesday morning that he had been fired.
The RFU revealed that England’s forwards coach Richard Cockerill will serve as interim head coach in a statement announcing his dismissal.
“It’s important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made to English rugby, winning three Six Nations, one Grand Slam and taking us to a World Cup final,” chief executive Bill Sweeney said.
“He has the highest win ratio of any England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.
“I’m grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team.
“He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”
While leading England to Six Nations championships in 2016, 2017, and 2020 and advancing to the 2019 World Cup final, where his team lost to South Africa, Jones experienced great early success.
The 62-year-old won England’s first Grand Slam since 2003 in 2016, and after 18 straight wins, his first loss did not occur until 2017.
However, Jones’ dismissal follows a disappointing 2022 for England, which saw the team suffer six losses, a draw, and five victories, culminating in a crushing defeat to South Africa on November 26.
The RFU has decided to take action after reviewing the disappointing Autumn Nations Series. Jones’ contract was set to expire after the 2023 World Cup.
The RFU must appoint a replacement immediately because the tournament in France is only nine months away.
Warren Gatland, a New Zealander who had been linked to the position, decided to stay on as Wales’ head coach on Monday after Wayne Pivac left that position.
The clear favourite to succeed Jones is Steve Borthwick, who led England during a 57-cap career.
Since being named Leicester’s manager in 2020, he has presided over a startling turnaround in the Tigers’ fortunes, which was highlighted by their Premiership title win in the previous campaign.
