Australia have sacked Dave Rennie and appointed Eddie Jones in his place with the Rugby World Cup looming on the horizon.
Jones' seven-year tenure in charge of England ended in December with his sacking after a run of results in 2022 that included six defeats and a draw in 12 matches.
The 62-year-old returns to the Australia helm, replacing Dave Rennie, having previously been in the role from 2001 to 2005, which included the Wallabies finishing as runners-up to England on home soil at the 2003 World Cup.
Coming back in ahead of the 2023 tournament in France that gets under way in September, Jones will also oversee the women’s team, the Wallaroos, and is set to start with Rugby Australia on 29 January.
Jones said in a statement from Rugby Australia: "It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup.
"It is going to be an immense period for Australian rugby – as a proud Australian, it is a great honour to be able to come home and lead the national team during these years.
"It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup.
"The Wallabies squad is a really talented group of players with good depth - if we can have everyone fit and healthy going into the World Cup this year, I am confident that we can go to France and break the 24-year drought of winning the Rugby World Cup.
"I saw how gutsy the Wallaroos were in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year - it looks like there is a real spirit in that group that will drive the women's programme forward ahead of their next World Cup in 2025.
"I am really looking forward to getting back home and getting stuck in."
Former Wallaby Tim Horan said hiring the Tasmanian was "brave and has some risk", as he encouraged fans to "strap yourself in for the ride".
"Eddie Jones as new Wallabies coach......brave and has some risk. But maybe a risk worth taking considering the Wallabies current win/loss ratio," the two-time World Cup-winning centre tweeted.
"Need a Bledisloe Cup (within 2 years) and RWC Semi and Lions win to justify the decision. Strap yourself in for the ride."
Jones guided England to three Six Nations, one Grand Slam and the final of the 2019 World Cup in Japan, in which they were beaten by South Africa.
Rennie departs after three years as Australia boss.
