Rugby coach Eddie Jones appointed to Goldman Sachs board in Japan

Eddie Jones, the Australian named as the new head coach of England’s rugby team, has been appointed to the advisory board of Goldman Sachs in Japan.

The 55-year-old made history when he guided the Japanese team to victory over South Africa in the World Cup in September. He is expected to join the investment bank’s nine-member advisory board in Japan from 1 January and travel to Tokyo twice a year for meetings.

The board comprises industry leaders who advise on business and regulatory issues. It was reported that Jones’ input was likely to utilise his experience managing people of different nationalities.

The “Brave Blossoms” victory over South Africa at the World Cup was hailed as one of the greatest upsets in the history of the game. Japan enjoyed unprecedented success during Jones’ tenure, including 10 successive wins.

The president of Goldman Sachs in Japan, Masanori Mochida, who is believed to be a rugby fan, said Jones had “achieved the impossible by bringing the Japanese team to a level on par with the best in world rugby. Goldman Sachs will benefit from his unrivaled leadership and his ability to bring together a multicultural team.”

Last week Jones was named as the first foreign head coach of the England rugby team after the departure of Stuart Lancaster. He has signed a four-year deal with the Rugby Football Union that will begin in December.

Jones has been described as a “rugbyholic” and the England position will mark his 13th job switch in 20 years.

Formerly a teacher, Jones lived in Japan during his time with the national team, a position he took up in 2012.