Eddie Jones led the ACT Brumbies to their first Super 12 title in 2001, with players such as George Gregan and Stepehen Larkham soon finding themselves under his tutelage at international level after his appointment as Australia coach.

Jones took charge of the Wallabies for the 2003 World Cup on home soil, and fell at the final hurdle as his side were defeated in extra time of the final by Clive Woodward's England. Jones continued as coach of the national team until 2005, when following a wretched run of results (they lost seven straight games at the end of the season) his contract was terminated.

Jones was appointed as Queensland Reds coach following a stint in an advisory capacity with English side Saracens, and took charge for the 2007 Super 14 season. Jones' Reds propped up the table in his first season. Jones turned his back on coaching Australia again when he signed in an advisory role with South Africa.

During his time with the Springboks Jones formed a tight partnership with head coach Jake White, and they secured the 2007 World Cup. Following his time with South Africa Jones took up a full time position as Saracens director of rugby but left in 2009 to be replaced by Brendan Venter. Jones subsequently took up a role with Japanese side Suntory.

Jones declared his interest in taking over from Martin Johnson as England head coach following their disastrous World Cup campaign in 2011. However in December 2011 he was appointed as the new head coach of Japan, replacing Kiwi John Kirwan.