Eddie Jones has been announced as England's first ever overseas head coach.
The former Australia and Japan coach had travelled to London for talks with the Rugby Football Union and, with the level of compensation for his release from his Stormers contract believed to have been negotiated, the 55-year-old’s four-year contract was completed on Friday morning.
He said: “The opportunity to take the reins in possibly the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity.”
Jones was barely one week into a long-term contract with the Stormers, who he joined after completing his stewardship with Japan, before departing for London to finalise negotiations with the RFU.
"When I was appointed at Western Province Rugby there was no vacancy within England and I never envisaged this opportunity to come forward," Jones said.
“I remain very grateful to WP for this opportunity and I would sincerely like to apologise to anyone that might have been affected by my sudden decision to leave Cape Town. I have been treated so well in my short stay.”
The appointment of Jones brings a swift conclusion to the search to replace Lancaster, with Ritchie moving quickly to secure the services of an Australian who was restored to the top echelon of coaches after presiding over Japan’s remarkable World Cup.
“We promised to recruit a coach with proven international experience and we have done that,” Ritchie said.
“Eddie is a world-class coach, with extensive experience at the highest level with Australia, South Africa and Japan.
“We believe that the appointment, which was unanimously approved by the RFU board, is the right one to bring England success in the short, medium and long term.
"We are confident Eddie can build on the strong foundations already laid, with this talented group of players largely remaining together through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and beyond.
“We are grateful to the Stormers for their co-operation in releasing Eddie early from his contract.”
