Eddie Jones has been tipped to switch codes to rugby league after being fired as England head coach.
Jones was sacked just nine months before the World Cup following an RFU review into England's dismal autumn series. He is now a free agent for the first time in seven years - but is unlikely to be short of offers across both codes after his Twickenham dismissal.
The Australian has had laser-focus on World Cups during his time as a rugby union head coach - guiding the Wallabies to the memorable Webb Ellis trophy showdown with England in 2003 and leading the Red Rose to the final against South Africa in 2019.
Jones has already been urged by former Wallabies player Simon Poidevin to make an emotional return to his native Australia and help current head coach Dave Rennie implement his plans for the 2023 tournament in France.
But the 62-year-old has also made no secret of his future desire to work in rugby league and a move to Australia's NRL could well be on the cards. During England's tour of Australia this summer, Jones claimed he would 'jump at the opportunity' of a future role coaching his boyhood NRL club South Sydney Rabbitohs.
And former dual-code Ireland international Brian Carney believes Jones could be 'bored' of rugby union - insisting he would be keen on a switch.
"He's a huge fan of rugby league," Carney told Sky Sports News. "That's evident - you could see that in the coaching staff he assembled when he was in charge of England.
"He brought Anthony Seibold in, Brett Hodgson, Martin Gleeson and Jon Clarke, of course, formerly of Warrington Wolves as his conditioning coach. We know he loves rugby league, we know he loves the mentality of rugby league players.
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Sky Sports)"I think he's probably got the experience, the maturity and the intelligence to surround himself with good people, turn up at a rugby league club and turn those group of players into winners so I wouldn't be surprised if we see Eddie Jones in rugby league.
"Do you not think he's bored of rugby union?" Carney then claimed, challenging fellow pundit Jon Wilkin over Jones' ability as an elite-level head coach.
The NRL would likely be the preferred destination for Jones if he did indeed switch from the 15-man code for a fresh challenge.
Jones has also been linked with taking charge of the United States rugby union team.
