England have announced that they have sacked head coach Eddie Jones after seven years in charge.
Amid frequent speculation regarding the 62-year-old's future in the dugout ahead of the 2023 World Cup, the Rugby Football Union have opted to make the change after a poor run of results in 2022.
In their 12 official Test fixtures during the calendar year, England prevailed just five times, two of which came in defeating Australia on away territory during the summer.
However, despite a breath-taking second-half comeback against New Zealand on November 19, England endured an indifferent run of results during their autumn internationals.
After starting the period of games with a 30-29 defeat to Argentina, England went down 27-13 to South Africa at the end of last month, resulting in the RFU acting before an important 2023.
Speaking on his exit, Jones said: "I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team's performance in the future.
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"Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers."
Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the RFU, added: "He has the highest win ratio of any previous England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.
"I am grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team."
Despite the frustration which has accompanied many of England's recent performances, Jones was initially successful in the role, putting together a record-equalling 18-match winning streak.
Furthermore, he guided England to three Six Nations crowns, one Grand Slam and the final of the 2019 World Cup, which they lost to South Africa.
England had defeated Australia and, more famously, New Zealand en route to that showdown with the Springboks, but Jones's side never really recovered from losing that clash by a 32-12 scoreline.
While forward coach Richard Cockerill has been placed in charge on an interim basis, Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick is favourite to be named as Jones's full-time replacement.
Darren Plant
