Eddie Jones set for England contract extension days after accepting big pay cut

Eddie Jones is set to be confirmed as England rugby head coach through until the 2023 World Cup.

Days after the Australian agreed to take a pay cut in excess of 25 per cent it is understood he will have two years added to his existing term.

The 60-year old has been in charge since the end of 2015, winning a Grand Slam and two Six Nations titles and reaching a World Cup final.

Jones’ RFU bosses have been slow to extend his deal, which runs through to 2021, and with the coronavirus pandemic crippling rugby, this is a sensitive time to plan long term.

Jones succeeded Stuart Lancaster as head coach after 2015 World Cup
(Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland)

England lead the disrupted Six Nations on points difference with final round to be rescheduled for October
(Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

But having shown good faith by accepting an annual pay deduction of almost £200,000 to help the RFU survive this crisis, it is thought the Union want to reciprocate with their own show of goodwill.

England are still firmly in the hunt to win this season’s Six Nations, topping the table on points difference with just an away match in Italy to play.

But the global health emergency has caused a suspension of the tournament and Jones is likely to have to wait until October for the opportunity to complete his title hat-trick.