Eddie Jones wants Newcastle to become Japan’s home away from home ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The veteran coach said he hopes local Australian supporters will get behind his Japan side when they face Ireland in a Nations Championship Test in Newcastle on July 11, and then do it all again at the World Cup a year later.
“It’s a great experience for us to play here, get used to the environment, maybe become the team in Newcastle,” Jones said.
“You know, when we play up here in the World Cup, we want all the Newcastle people to support Japan.”
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The clash against world No 3 Ireland is far more than just another Test for Jones.
Japan will open their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign against Samoa at the same venue, and the former England and Wallabies coach believes early exposure to the stadium could prove crucial.
“We’ll be up here for a week for the Samoa game. So it’s how you can maximise your preparation for that week,” he said.
“It’s really important because we’ll have, you know, a relatively young team for the World Cup.”
Jones added that younger players often struggle to absorb the intensity of a World Cup environment.
“So having had the experience of playing in this ground, just that little bit of familiarity will definitely be a potential advantage.”
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Jones also pointed to Ireland’s rise as proof that smaller rugby nations can compete with the sport’s heavyweights.
“Ireland’s a great example of what you can do with a small population,” he said.
“They’re a good team, tough team, smart team, so we’re looking forward to playing against them.”
– AFP
Photo: Masterpress/Getty Images
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Eddie Jones wants Newcastle to become Japan’s home away from home ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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