Eddie Jones has been confirmed as England's new rugby head coach following the departure of Stuart Lancaster.
The decision was widely expected after the former Japan coach stepped down from his role with the Stormers in South Africa, which he only started after this year's Rugby World Cup.
The Australian will begin as Lancaster's successor in December ahead of the Six Nations and becomes the first non-Englishman to be given the job.
Jones enjoyed a good campaign with Japan in this year's World Cup, beating South Africa in their opening match of the tournament.
The 55-year-old led Australia to the World Cup final in 2003 and was part of the staff when South Africa won the World Cup in 2007.
"Firstly my thanks must go to Rob Wagner and everyone at Western Province Rugby for understanding my decision and allowing me to return to the international stage so quickly," Jones said.
"The opportunity to take the reins in, possibly, the world's most high profile international rugby job doesn't come along every day however, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity.
"I'm now looking forward to working with the RFU and the players to move beyond the disappointment England suffered at the World Cup and hope to build a new team that will reflect the level of talent that exists within the English game. I believe the future is bright for England."
Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Ian Ritchie said: "We promised to recruit a coach with proven international experience and we have done that.
"Eddie is a world-class coach, with extensive experience at the highest level with Australia, South Africa and Japan. We believe that the appointment, which was unanimously approved by the RFU Board, is the right one to bring England success in the short, medium and long term.
"We are confident Eddie can build on the strong foundations already laid, with this talented group of players largely remaining together through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and beyond. We are grateful to the Stormers for their co-operation in releasing Eddie early from his contract."
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