Jones denies Stormers link

 

Jones said he had read a report that he will replace current Stormers coach Allister Coetzee who will move to coach the Japanese club Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers.

 

Speaking to Fairfax Media on Thursday, the former Wallabies and current Japan coach said when asked about the Stormers link: "I don't know where that came from.

 

"I read one of the reports that I was in Cape Town last week… I was in Tokyo.

 

"Tokyo is a long way from Cape Town, I can tell you mate."

 

Asked if he denies the report, Jones said: "Definitely… I haven't had any contact.

 

"The only thing I am concentrating on is taking Japan to the World Cup in 2015."

 

Jones also said it was not definite if he would remain with Japan after the World Cup, despite reports that he has announced he will stand down.

 

"We are having a few discussions at the moment, so we will see where it goes," he said.

 

Jones would neither rule in or out a possible link with the new Japanese franchise that would join Super Rugby competition from next year.

 

"I am not 100 percent sure yet. We will chat over the next period of time and see what the best thing is," he said.

 

Coetzee is replacing the Sharks-bound Gary Gold in Japan.

 

South African newspaper the Cape Times had reported that Jones met officials of the Super Rugby franchise in South Africa last week.

 

Jones coached the Brumbies to win the 2001 Super Rugby title and the Wallabies reached the 2003 Rugby World Cup final on home soil under his tenure.

 

He was also part of Jake White's coaching team that lead the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007.

 

However, his time at the Reds was a disaster, with the franchise finishing last on the points table, winning just two games.

 

He was appointed Japan head coach in 2011, replacing John Kirwan, and led the team to a 24-9 win-loss record, including an 11-match undefeated streak against international opposition that featured victories over Samoa and Italy.