Jones rebuffs talk over England future

Eddie Jones is only thinking about his role as Barbarians coach this week after refusing to talk about his future as England mentor.

The Australian will be in charge of the famous rugby union invitational side for the first time on Saturday when they do battle with Fiji at Twickenham.

It will take place only two weeks after Jones’ England lost to South Africa in the World Cup final in Japan.

Former Wallabies coach Jones’ contract with the English Rugby Football Union is only until 2021, but earlier this month RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney admitted it “makes sense” for the 59-year-old to continue until the World Cup 2023 in France.

“The only thing I’ve been worried about this week is coaching the Barbarians. It’s a highly enjoyable experience and it’s a great honour,” Jones said on Wednesday.

“There is nothing to think about. It is done and dusted. I can’t do anything about what’s happened. The only thing I can do is what I do next.

“The next thing I’m going to do is make sure this Barbarians’ side play some great rugby, so that’s the only thing I’m worried about. All that stuff is for you guys, you love it.”

Six Australians will get the chance to play under Jones for the clash with Fiji.

Brumbies duo Pete Samu and Joe Powell have been selected alongside Melbourne Rebels quartet Angus Cottrell, Billy Meakes, Luke Jones and Matt Philip.

They will line-up alongside World Cup winners Tendai Mtawarira and Makazole Mapimpi, while former Ireland captain Rory Best will skipper the side and make one final appearance before retiring.

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