Eddie Jones, a veteran coach from Australia, has returned to lead Japan’s national rugby team with the aim of identifying players with similar characteristics to Cheslin Kolbe and strengthening the country’s unique rugby identity. Jones has returned to Japan almost a decade after his first stint with the squad, during which he led them to victory against the Springboks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He hopes to cultivate talent and create a team with a distinct Japanese style and ethos.
Unfolding the New Era of Japanese Rugby with Eddie Jones: Veteran coach Eddie Jones returns to lead Japan’s national rugby team and aims to identify players who possess the same characteristics as Cheslin Kolbe. Jones also intends to strengthen Japan’s unique rugby identity and cultivate talent to shape the Brave Blossoms into a squad with a distinct Japanese style and ethos.
Return of Eddie Jones
Veteran coach Eddie Jones recently took over the leadership of Japan’s national rugby team, embarking on a mission to unearth the next Cheslin Kolbe from Japan’s array of rugby talents. This development marks Jones’s return to Japan’s rugby scene nearly ten years after his first stint, in which he engineered one of the most memorable victories in the country’s rugby history.
This year, 2024, signifies the commencement of Jones’s second phase as the head coach of the Brave Blossoms, Japan’s national rugby team. The return prompts him to reflect on his inaugural stay with the squad, a period that climaxed with their historic win against the Springboks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Journey of an Australian Native
Eddie Jones, who hails from Australia, moved on to occupy the position of head coach for England after his first tenure with Japan. His tenure with England spanned over seven years, a period during which he led the squad to clinch three Six Nations titles, including a highly sought-after Grand Slam.
However, the journey wasn’t always smooth for Jones. His term with England met with a stormy end, which was further complicated by a brief but catastrophic spell at the apex of the Wallabies. These setbacks slightly tarnished his coaching career, leading critics to challenge his effectiveness in the global coaching scene.
Embracing Challenges and Reinforcing Japan’s Rugby Identity
True to his resilient spirit, Jones is ready to silence his critics and reaffirm his coaching expertise. He warmly welcomes Cheslin Kolbe’s arrival in Japan and views it as a yardstick to gauge the latent talent within the Top League.
Planet Rugby reports that Jones drew a comparison between Kolbe’s traits and the characteristics he seeks in Japanese players. Jones described Kolbe as extremely strong, quick, and elusive, characteristics which he believes Japanese players can embody. He further said, “He’s a wonderful model, so our objective is to find players who can replicate him, and they are definitely out there.”
Apart from identifying players who possess Kolbe’s attributes, Jones also aims to strengthen Japan’s unique rugby identity, which has significantly evolved over the recent years.
According to Jones, the real essence of a successful team surpasses their jersey or nationality. He stated, “Regardless of the sport, any formidable team is easily identifiable, no matter what jersey they wear.”
Vision for the Brave Blossoms
With this philosophy, Jones aspires to shape the Brave Blossoms into a squad with a distinct identity. He intends to concentrate on fostering a unique style and ethos that is unmistakably Japanese, an objective that constitutes a vital part of his agenda as he resumes his role as head coach.
As Jones navigates the thrilling yet demanding journey ahead, his effort to cultivate talent and fortify Japan’s rugby identity signals an invigorating new chapter for the Brave Blossoms. As he embarks on this new journey, his determination to draw the best from his team is steadfast, and his faith in their potential is unfaltering. With Jones at the helm, the future of Japanese rugby shines brightly, filled with promise and potential.
What is Eddie Jones’s mission with Japan’s national rugby team?
Eddie Jones’s mission with Japan’s national rugby team is to identify players with similar characteristics to Cheslin Kolbe and strengthen Japan’s unique rugby identity. He aims to cultivate talent and create a team with a distinct Japanese style and ethos.
When did Eddie Jones first coach Japan’s national rugby team?
Eddie Jones first coached Japan’s national rugby team nearly ten years ago during which he led them to victory against the Springboks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He recently returned to Japan’s rugby scene to lead the team again.
Where is Eddie Jones from?
Eddie Jones hails from Australia and has had an impressive coaching career spanning several countries and teams.
What challenges has Eddie Jones faced in his coaching career?
Eddie Jones’s coaching career hasn’t always been smooth sailing. His term with England met with a stormy end, which was further complicated by a brief but catastrophic spell at the apex of the Wallabies. These setbacks slightly tarnished his coaching career, leading critics to challenge his effectiveness in the global coaching scene.
What is Eddie Jones’s coaching philosophy?
Eddie Jones believes that the real essence of a successful team surpasses their jersey or nationality. He aspires to shape the Brave Blossoms into a squad with a distinct identity by focusing on fostering a unique style and ethos that is unmistakably Japanese.
What does the future of Japanese rugby look like with Eddie Jones at the helm?
With Eddie Jones’s determination to draw the best from his team, his faith in their potential is unfaltering. His effort to cultivate talent and fortify Japan’s rugby identity signals an invigorating new chapter for the Brave Blossoms. With Jones at the helm, the future of Japanese rugby shines brightly, filled with promise and potential.
