England boss Eddie Jones admits future is out of his hands after Six Nations disaster

Eddie Jones insists he is still the right man to lead England through to the next World Cup, but admits his future is out of his hands after a disastrous Six Nations campaign. 

Saturday’s 32-18 defeat to Ireland rounded off a dismal tournament for the defending champions, who finished fifth, equalling their worst ever performance. 

The Rugby Football Union’s customary post-Championship review will begin in the coming days with no timeframe set for its completion.

The PA news agency understands that Jones will be assessed on his historical achievements as well as the outcome of the tournament, with his success in plotting a route out of a similar slump in 2018 strengthening his position.

“Our coaching team and leadership team will review our performance in the Six Nations and we know the England team will continue to grow and learn from this,” a Rugby Football Union spokesperson said.

Senior players Maro Itoje, Mako Vunipola and Jonny May have given the Australian emphatic endorsements, insisting it is the players who must be held accountable for the reverse Triple Crown of losses to Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

When asked if he is the right man to take England forward, Jones replied “that’s for other people to answer, not for me to answer”, but added that he is “100 per cent” confident he can perform the role and that the Six Nations outcome had not made him question himself.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I’m sure they’re angry. We expect to win and we expect to play better than we did,” said Jones in addressing the frustration of supporters.

“No one is more disappointed than the team and ourselves with what happened and the fans have got the right to be disappointed. We’re gutted by it.”

Additional reporting by PA.