Ex-Wallaby coach Jones interested in England job

Former Australia coach Eddie Jones declared an interest in succeeding Martin Johnson on Thursday after the England manager resigned following a disappointing World Cup campaign. Jones, who led Australia to the final of the 2003 World Cup, told the BBC England had the talent to win the 2015 World Cup as they attempt to rebuild after Johnson's three-and-a-half year reign. "You'd always be interested in coaching England," Jones told BBC radio. "It has got a fantastic domestic competition, very, very good players and you have just got to get the right programme in place and they should be good enough to win the next World Cup." Although there has been much upheaval in the upper echelons of English rugby for the past year, with several high-profile administrative positions currently vacant, Jones said he believed the problems were surmountable. "Over the last period of time England rugby has lost its way and you'd have to question the people in place now," Jones said. "That is the challenge of getting it right. If you get it right, the benefits are absolutely enormous. That is the challenge of it and that is the exciting part of it. "You've got to find the right style of play, just as (Sir Clive) Woodward did over that period (up to 2003); work with the clubs and ensure the players are in peak condition." Jones' decision to enter the running comes after South Africa coach Nick Mallett, regarded as one of the favourites to replace Johnson, formally ruled himself out of the reckoning. "The RFU contacted me earlier this week to enquire about my availability for the position, should Martin Johnson resign," Mallett said. "I had previously expressed my interest in the position publicly and was interested to hear what RFU representatives had to say. "After mulling it over for a few days and discussing the opportunity with close friends and family, I have decided that I will not be making myself available for the position and I have disclosed this to the RFU." England must make an appointment quickly with the Six Nations looming in February. New Zealand's World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry has been linked to the job, along with Northampton boss Jim Mallinder.