ENGLAND have sacked head coach Eddie Jones after seven years in charge.
The 62-year-old has been axed following a dismal autumn series that saw his side win just one out of four games.
Jones’ contract had been due to expire after the World Cup in France next year but the RFU have swung the axe following a review of recent results.
A statement confirmed: “Following a review of the Autumn, Eddie Jones has been dismissed from the position of England Men’s Head Coach.
“The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will now conclude the long-term work it has been undertaking on coach succession planning with changes set to be announced in the near future.
“In the interim, Richard Cockerill will take over the day to day running of the men’s performance team.”
Former England captain Steve Borthwick is the frontrunner to replace Jones.
The Australian was axed after a meeting with RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney at Twickenham on Tuesday morning.
In addition to an awful autumn campaign, Jones’ side also won just two out of five Six Nations games earlier in the year.
England were booed off the field following the 27-13 defeat to South Africa at Twickenham last month.
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Jones has been in charge since 2015, and led England to the World Cup final in Japan three years ago.
He also guided England to three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016.
Jones revealed he was “pleased” with the work he did as England boss, despite the recent slump in form.
He said: “I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team’s performance in the future.
“Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers.”
While RFU chief Sweeney said: “It is important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made to English rugby, winning three Six Nations Championships, one Grand Slam and taking us to a Rugby World Cup final.
“He has the highest win ratio of any previous England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.
“I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team.
“He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”
The news comes the day after Wales sacked Wayne Pivac and re-appointed former boss Warren Gatland.
There had been some speculation that Gatland was being considered for the England role.
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