Eddie Jones’ side have lost six out of 12 Tests in the calendar year, England’s worst run since 2008
Rugby Football Union is set to conduct a review of England’s ‘really disappointing’ autumn campaign but has stopped offering its support to head coach Eddie Jones.
The RFU review panel will hold a series of meetings over the next two weeks to discuss the fall series that produced a four-game win.
Chief Executive Bill Sweeney says the union shares fans’ frustration.
“Like them, we are really disappointed with the results,” he said.
In a statement, a day after the 27:13 defeat against South Africa, Sweeney added: “Despite strong individual performances and some great new talent, the overall results are not what we expect.
“We want to thank the English fans for their patience and support, we care how they feel.”
The statement made no mention of Jones as the head coaching position comes under scrutiny after five wins from 12 games in the calendar year.
Abandoning Jones at this point would mark a major departure from the RFU’s often-voiced plan, given that both the union and head coach are fixated on next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
However, union sources have told the ` they cannot comment on his position before the review so as not to prejudge the results.
This contrasts with the RFU’s stance after the 2022 Six Nations, when they released a statement saying they “fully supported” Jones and praising the “solid progress” the team is making despite two wins from five league games would have.
Former England fly-half Paul Grayson said so `’s Rugby Union Weekly Podcast any other coach besides Jones – who has a good World Cup pedigree – would be struggling to survive given the recent results.
“Every person who goes into business with a four-year plan and who breaks down after three and a little bit, does they change and change direction? Yes, you probably do,” he said.
“It gets to the point where managers have to consider, is this investment worth it? Are we that far in? [that] change now [would be] a waste of the last three and a half years?
“Don’t forget that the RFU and Bill Sweeney are 100% behind Eddie Jones. There was never any question if he is the right man to take us to the World Cup.
“That’s why we always say, ‘Oh, that’s not going to happen [Eddie Jones leaving]. she [the RFU] probably can’t afford it, he won’t go away and his boss thinks he’s the guy.'”
The RFU review panel will now meet to discuss “how improvements can be made in the run-up to the Six Nations,” with their results expected in the next two weeks.
The panel is an anonymous panel of “board and board members and independent former players and coaches”.
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