So no clause preventing a Tier 1 coaching position pre-RWC 23 in the terms of Jones' departure from his England role.

Former England boss Eddie Jones has been appointed Australia head coach, replacing the sacked Dave Rennie. Jones, who previously coached the Wallabies from 2001 to 2005, has signed a five-year deal through to 2027. The 62-year-old was dismissed by England in December after seven years in the role. He will start with Australia at the end of January, with his contract covering two World Cups and the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025. "It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup," Jones said. "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." Jones started discussions with Rugby Australia shortly after his sacking by the Rugby Football Union, and told the BBC last month he had "one last big job in him." However this had been expected to come about after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, so his appointment as Wallabies boss with immediate effect is a sensational development that will further shake up the international rugby landscape.

I think England should be rejoicing that Australia have chosen someone even the RFU thinks is a busted flush.

But it shows the complete failure of the game to develop coaches.

There should be coaches at each of the Australian states and in the U20 setup ready to step up to the Australian role.

With good coaches at the clubs ready to take on roles in the states.

And the same here - admittedly, we found a premiership coach to take over this time.

But premiership clubs should be looking to bring in coaches from the Championship, as well as ex-players.

It would have been pointless because I don't think it would apply abroad. Plus technically, that's restraint of trade which isn't allowed.

In releasing Jones early from his contract the RFU could have set a No Tier 1 Coaching clause coupled to the level of financial compensation.  If such a clause was rejected by Jones then the RFU save some money, and Jones can follow up on his earlier chinwags.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64330148" rel="nofollow - Coach says he had talks with Australia while England boss

All conjecture though.