Eddie Jones returns as Japan head coach for a second spell

Eddie Jones was appointed head coach of the Japan men's rugby team for a second time, returning to a country where he had made his name in international coaching.

The Australian had first led Japan from 2012 to 2015. That spell ended with the famous win over South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, often called the "Brighton miracle". He then moved to England, whom he coached until December 2022, reaching the 2019 World Cup final.

His return followed a brief and unsuccessful period with Australia. Jones took over the Wallabies in early 2023, but the team went out in the pool stage of that year's World Cup for the first time, and he left soon afterwards.

The appointment mattered because it set up a particular storyline: a coach with deep knowledge of English rugby, having led England for seven years, now leading an opponent against his former side. It also gave Japan an experienced, combative leader as it sought to compete with the top rugby nations.