England boss Eddie Jones is planning to leave Japan and fly to Australia just days before their crucial Rugby World Cup pool clash with France.
The Aussie, who has been in charge of England since December 2015, will be jetting off in order to attend the funeral of close friend Jeff Sayle.
Randwick rugby legend Sayle passed away on Monday at the age of 77, which prompted tributes from Jones and other leading club alumni such as Wallabies boss Michael Cheika, David Campese and Simon Poidevin.
An emotional Eddie Jones has paid tribute to former Randwick coach Jeff Sayle, who passed away earlier this week: https://t.co/1jabui7qQq pic.twitter.com/Zr6S7LCPWU
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 3, 2019
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Jones has requested permission from the Rugby Football Union to leave the camp before their final Pool match.
Jones confirmed that he was trying to put plans in place that would allow that, telling the Sydney Morning Herald that he was “trying to mate … arranging now” and that he had been granted permission by the RFU.