Dumped, disappointed but defiant - Eddie Jones says he hopes to one day return as Wallabies coach.

After four and a half years as national coach, the Australian Rugby Union announced it had terminated Jones' contract effective immediately.

While clearly disappointed, Jones did his best to hold back his emotion and put on a brave front at a press conference where he reluctantly accepted the ARU's decision.

"The ARU have got every right to make the decision but I still believe I'm the right person to coach Australia and therefore my disappointment is very intense," Jones told reporters.

"I think the team, albeit results have not been as they should have been and I certainly take full responsibility for those, ... we've set the base for the World Cup in 2007."

Jones said he would take a few days off, before "embarking on the next stage of his coaching career", but would not say if he had received offers from any other provincial or national team.

He also would not declare his preference for his successor, only to say he hoped he would one day be offered the role again, citing former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer as proof it can be done.

"I'm still young even though I've lost my hair, (I'm) 45, there is no reason why I won't be coaching the Wallabies again," Jones said.

"And that is my intention, I want to become a better coach and coach the Wallabies again, it's the greatest honour and privilege you can have."

While contracted through until the 2007 World Cup, Jones was set to make a presentation to the ARU board next week in a bid to save his position.

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