Former Wallabies great Mat Rogers has told the current crop of players to embrace incoming coach Eddie Jones and his philosophy or risk losing their position in the team.
Jones returns for his second stint as Wallabies head coach following the sudden dismissal of Dave Rennie on Monday. Rugby Australia have signed Jones to a five-year-deal which will see the 62-year-old at the helm for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and 2027.
Rogers said that the five-year deal is an indication to the players that Jones is in it for the long haul and they must be prepared for a gruelling transition period.
“It’s a strong move,” Rogers said on SEN 1170 in relation to the five-year contract.
“With his coaching, some people will absolutely love it and some people will absolutely hate it.
“The reality is that you can hate it all you want but you are committed to him for five years.
“Either get on board or go play somewhere else.
“He has got the results at the highest level and we want Australia to actually start to care about the Wallabies again.
“It’s a horrible position for any sport to be in and I think Eddie will rectify this.”
Jones has an impressive resumé under his belt including World Cup final appearances with both the Wallabies and England, Australia’s last Bledisloe Cup win in 2002 and Japan’s first ever World Cup win during the 2015 World Cup against South Africa.
Rogers is adamant that Jones’ appointment is the much needed change that Australian rugby has craved.
“He’s going to get the best out of people,” he said.
“You don’t want to screw up when you are playing for Eddie Jones.
“There are a few snowflakes that play professional sport these days and when they get yelled at, they don’t really like it.
“Eddie won’t give a rip. Whether you like it or not, you’ll cop it if you don’t do what he asks you to do.
“Maybe that’s what we need. We need a bit of a rocket and Eddie will deliver it.”
Jones’ first match in charge will be against South Africa in Pretoria on July 8.