Melbourne –
Japan coach Eddie Jones wants the Brave Blossoms to win the hearts of fans in Australia’s industrial hub of Newcastle when they play a July test against Ireland in the 2027 World Cup host city.
The tough Nations Championship clash against the Irish on July 11 offers Japan a valuable preview of local conditions before it meets Samoa at the same Newcastle Stadium in its World Cup opener next year.
At a news conference announcing the Ireland match on Thursday, Jones turned on the charm, raving about the port city’s beaches and grassroots rugby.