Eddie Jones’ appointment as Australia head coach means three of rugby’s major nations have new men in charge going into this year’s World Cup.

Steve Borthwick was last month unveiled as Jones’ successor with England, while Warren Gatland returned for a second stint with Wales.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at the coaches tasked with attempting to guide the sport’s leading countries to glory in France in September and October.

Eddie Jones (Australia)

Eddie Jones was previously Australia head coach between 2001 and 2005
Eddie Jones was previously Australia head coach between 2001 and 2005 (David Davies/PA)

Steve Borthwick (England)

Steve Borthwick earned the England role with an impressive stint at Leicester
Steve Borthwick earned the England role with an impressive stint at Leicester (Adam Davy/PA)

Fabien Galthie (France)

Fabien Galthie guided France to Grand Slam glory in 2022
Fabien Galthie guided France to Grand Slam glory in 2022 (Adam Davy/PA)

Andy Farrell (Ireland)

Andy Farrell has led Ireland to the top of the world rankings
Andy Farrell has led Ireland to the top of the world rankings (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ian Foster (New Zealand)

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has come under pressure during his reign
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has come under pressure during his reign (Ben Whitley/PA)

Gregor Townsend (Scotland)

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend (Jane Barlow/PA)

Jacques Nienaber (South Africa)

Jacques Nienaber was appointed South Africa head coach after they were crowned world champions in 2019
Jacques Nienaber was appointed South Africa head coach after they were crowned world champions in 2019 (Ben Whitley/PA)

Warren Gatland (Wales)

Warren Gatland replaced fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac to begin his second spell as Wales coach
Warren Gatland replaced fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac to begin his second spell as Wales coach (Ben Birchall/PA)

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