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Jones agrees England contract extension through to 2023 World Cup

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Eddie Jones is aiming to make England “the greatest team the game has ever seen” after agreeing a contract extension to continue as head coach through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Eddie Jones is aiming to make England “the greatest team the game has ever seen” after agreeing a contract extension to continue as head coach through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Jones took over as England boss at the end of 2015 and had a deal due to expire in August 2021, but has been rewarded with an extension.

The 60-year-old started his reign in style by winning two consecutive Guinness Six Nations in 2016 and 2017 and has achieved an overall win ratio of 78 per cent from his 54 matches – the highest in the history of England head coaches – as well as reaching last year’s World Cup final.

“I never thought coming here four years ago I would be doing a second four years but the circumstances are right,” Jones said.

“Obviously it is important for the team that we keep improving and my focus will be solely on that.

“I am excited about raising the standards again – we have a great team. We set out four years ago to be the best team in the world and unfortunately we missed that by 80 minutes.

“Now we want to be the team that is remembered as being the greatest team the game has ever seen. It’s a big ambition but I believe we are capable of doing it.

“We have players with an enhanced reputation, we have a team that is expected to do well, so it’s a great opportunity for us to keep moving forward.

“The extension is a great honour for me, but in the current environment, it is only right to acknowledge what a difficult time the world is facing.

“We are all looking forward to a time when we can get back to playing rugby and use the sport as a force for good in bringing people back together.”

England have won 42 of 54 matches since Jones replaced Stuart Lancaster at the end of 2015, guiding his side to a memorable Grand Slam at his first attempt in 2016.

He also led England to a record-equalling unbeaten run of 18 matches, which included their successful Championship defence the following year.

Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO, said: “In exceptionally difficult times, we are pleased to be sharing some good news.

“We are delighted that Eddie will continue as head coach to run England’s campaign to take us to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“His record since joining speaks for itself and he has proven why he is one of the best coaches in world rugby. The progress shown by England since 2015 has been indisputable and having fielded the youngest-ever team to play in a World Cup final, we know even more growth is possible.

“We are all excited by what this squad can do and having Eddie leading the team is very important to us.

“My thoughts and those of all of us at the RFU are with everyone impacted by COVID-19, both across the country at large but also within our own rugby union community.

“We have announced Eddie’s contract extension a few weeks later than planned as our focus was diverted to support the English rugby community during this difficult time.

“We are now turning our attention to developing plans to support the rebooting of rugby and a winning England team will provide a vital role in that.”