Jones resumed his consultancy role with Saracens last summer

Jones, who helped guide South Africa to World Cup glory in October, has been working with the club as an advisor.

The 47-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Premiership club.

Gaffney joined Saracens in 2006 after spells with New South Wales and Munster and will take up a part-time role with the club from the summer.

Gaffney, who was Australia assistant under Jones, guided the club to fourth in the table in his first season - their best league finish since 1999/2000.

Their good form has continued this campaign and they are currently third in the Premiership as well as being on the verge of a Heineken Cup quarter-final place.

606: DEBATE In all fairness, the criticism and abuse directed towards Jones is unjustified and unfair SimplyTheTruth

"You cannot say enough about what he and his coaching staff have achieved in that time that has seen the club become a competitive force in all tournaments this season," Saracens chief executive Mark Sinderberry told the club's website.

"I am delighted that Alan will be remaining with the club in a part-time role and he will continue to be a huge asset to Saracens."

The club insist that Gaffney will be in charge until the end of the season and Gaffney believes the transition to Jones will be a smooth one.

"It was always agreed that at the end of my two-year contract, I would be stepping down from the role with Eddie taking over," said Gaffney.

"With stability at the club at present, this has undoubtedly contributed to our competitiveness in all competitions this season. That stability will continue with Eddie and with the long-term commitment he can give to Saracens, I think this is best for the club.

"I'll be taking a part-time role at the club with spells at different times of the year and that suits me. It gives me flexibility and I would also love the chance to explore other coaching opportunities around the world.

Succession planning and consistency in staff is important to ongoing success in any business Saracens chief executive Mark Sinderberry

"Eddie and I come from the same club in Sydney and we share similar views on the game so I would expect this to be a seamless transition. However, that won't happen until the end of the season."

Jones was appointed as Australia coach in 2001, taking the Wallabies to the World Cup final in 2003, but was sacked at the end of 2005 after a run of eight defeats in nine games.

He took charge of Super 14 side Queensland Reds but resigned in May last year after his side finished bottom of the table.

His first consultancy stint with Saracens came in 2006 and he rejoined the club on a part-time basis last summer.

Jones was named as technical advisor to the Springboks in August and played a key role as South Africa claimed the World Cup for a second time.

"Succession planning and consistency in staff is important to ongoing success in any business and in this case, we have one world class coach who is going to be succeeded by another," added Sinderberry.