Can Jones' Hybrid Game, Fatigue Management, and TMO Revitalize Rugby?

Eddie Jones, the former England and Australia head coach, is currently in his second spell as Japan's head coach and has ambitious plans to reform rugby. Ahead of Japan's match against Ireland on 8 November 2023, he expressed concerns about the sport's financial sustainability and highlighted the need for significant changes in both international and domestic rugby structures. Jones advocates for a new model that combines traditional competitions with innovative formats similar to cricket's Indian Premier League.

Last updated: 8 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Eddie Jones prepares for Japan's upcoming match against Ireland, he is not just focused on the game at hand but is also advocating for sweeping changes in rugby. His remarks on the Ireland Rugby Social podcast underscore the urgent need for the sport to adapt to financial pressures and fan expectations. With the increasing number of international fixtures, he questions the viability of traditional domestic leagues and calls for a comprehensive realignment within World Rugby.

Key takeaways

Eddie Jones is advocating for significant reforms in international and domestic rugby.
He believes the current financial model is unsustainable.
Jones suggests the introduction of a Club World Cup as a potential solution.
He expresses concerns about officiating, particularly the role of the TMO.
Jones aims to develop a sustainable rugby system in Japan.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the last decade, Eddie Jones has built a reputation as a transformative figure in rugby coaching. Here are some key milestones leading to his current role with Japan:

2015: Jones leads Japan to a historic victory over South Africa in the Rugby World Cup.
2016-2021: Jones serves as England head coach, leading the team to multiple Six Nations titles and a World Cup final appearance in 2019.
2021: After a disappointing World Cup campaign with Australia, Jones resigns from his position.
2023: Jones returns to Japan as head coach, aiming to build a competitive team for the next World Cup.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In the lead-up to the match against Ireland, Jones has articulated his vision for rugby, focusing on the urgent need for reform. His comments highlight a growing concern about the financial sustainability of the sport and the necessity for innovative competition models.

What was already established

Jones has long been known for his outspoken views on rugby, particularly regarding the structure of competitions and officiating. His previous experiences with England and Australia have informed his perspective on the need for systemic change in the sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The financial implications of Jones' proposed reforms could resonate throughout the UK rugby community. If implemented, these changes might lead to shifts in ticket prices, viewing experiences, and overall engagement with the sport among fans.

Businesses and jobs

Changes to rugby's structure could impact clubs, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights in the UK. A restructured competition model may attract new investments, potentially leading to job creation within the sport.

Policy and regulation

Jones' suggestions could prompt discussions within Rugby Football Union (RFU) and other governing bodies about how best to align domestic and international competitions. This could lead to new policies aimed at enhancing the sport's financial health and global appeal.

Numbers that matter

15: The number of Tests international teams are now playing, highlighting the growing demand for more matches.
30: The weeks remaining in a year after accounting for international fixtures, raising concerns for domestic leagues.
12: The potential number of teams in a hybrid domestic competition suggested by Jones to attract new fans.
6: The current number of teams in the USA's top rugby tier, indicating a contraction in competitive rugby.
2015 and 2019: The years when Japan made significant strides in international rugby under Jones' leadership.

Definitions and jargon buster

TMO (Television Match Official): An official who reviews video footage to assist referees in making decisions during a match.
Super Rugby: A professional rugby union competition involving teams from Australia, New Zealand, and, previously, South Africa.
IPL (Indian Premier League): A professional Twenty20 cricket league in India known for attracting top international talent through auctions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Japan prepares for its match against Ireland, Jones will be focused on immediate tactical adjustments and player performance. This match will serve as a litmus test for the changes he wants to implement.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, Jones will likely continue to advocate for reforms while overseeing Japan's development in the lead-up to the next Rugby World Cup, scheduled for 2027 in Australia.

Signals to watch

The performance of Japan in upcoming international matches.
Any announcements regarding structural changes in domestic competitions worldwide.
Reactions from rugby governing bodies to Jones' proposals on officiating and competition formats.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about changes in rugby governance and competition structures.
Support local clubs and grassroots initiatives that enhance the sport.
Engage in discussions about officiating standards and their impact on game dynamics.

Don’t

Dismiss the importance of financial sustainability in rugby.
Ignore the role of fan engagement in shaping the future of the sport.
Underestimate the potential impact of innovative competition formats.

Checklist

Understand the implications of proposed changes to rugby formats.
Follow Japan's performance under Eddie Jones.
Monitor discussions around officiating and TMO involvement in matches.
Explore opportunities for involvement in local rugby initiatives.
Stay updated on financial trends in the sport and their impact on clubs.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Jones' proposals are ambitious, their successful implementation depends on broader consensus within World Rugby and various national unions. Resistance to change is common in traditional sports, and the financial realities of clubs may complicate the adoption of new models. Furthermore, the effectiveness of Jones’ suggestions regarding officiating and the TMO is yet to be proven in practice.

Bottom line

Eddie Jones is advocating for significant structural changes in rugby to ensure its financial sustainability and global appeal. His insights, shaped by decades of experience, may pave the way for a new era in the sport. As Japan faces Ireland, the outcomes of this match could influence the future trajectory of rugby, both internationally and domestically.

FAQs

What are Eddie Jones' main concerns regarding rugby?

Jones is worried about the financial sustainability of rugby, the current domestic structures, and how officiating, particularly the TMO, affects game flow.

How does Eddie Jones propose to reform rugby?

Jones suggests a restructured competition model that includes a Club World Cup and hybrid formats to attract new fans and generate more revenue.

What is the significance of Japan's match against Ireland?

This match is crucial for Japan as it serves as a benchmark for Jones' coaching strategy and his plans for developing rugby in Japan ahead of the next World Cup.