Jones linked to Japan job

Former Australia rugby union coach Eddie Jones is set to take the helm for Japan's national side, according to reports on Tuesday.

Jones, who guided the Wallabies to the Rugby World Cup final in 2003 and was Jake White's assistant when South Africa lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy four years later, is likely to replace John Kirwan.

Jones is reportedly set to take charge of the national team in April - after the completion of the domestic season in Japan - but refused to speculate when asked on Tuesday.

"I haven't got any comment to make at this stage. Unfortunately, I can't help you," he said.

Jones, whose mother is Japanese, has been working at Japanese domestic club Suntory Sungoliath since 2009, and was instrumental in helping them to the local title last season.

The 51-year-old was linked to the vacant role at England after Martin Johnson departed, but the position was given to Stuart Lancaster on an interim basis.

Japan have won just one game at Rugby World Cups - in 1991 - and finished the most recent tournament in New Zealand bottom of Pool A.

They will host the tournament in 2019, and will be hopeful of at least progressing to the knockout stages in front of their home fans.

Kirwan, who has been in charge of Japan since 2007, will not ask for a contract renewal when his five-year deal expires this month.