Eddie Jones said on Thursday that he hopes Australian fans will get behind his Japan team when they take on Ireland near Sydney in July. And that they will do the same again when the Rugby World Cup 2027 comes to Australia a year later.
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Japan, which hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2019, created one of the tournament’s most memorable moments when it shocked Ireland with a famous victory. Now the two teams are set to meet again in a Nations Championship Test match in the New South Wales city of Newcastle on July 11.
The match will also mark an important milestone. It will be the first neutral international rugby Test played in Australia since before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global sport. Jones said playing in Newcastle will give his team a valuable chance to become familiar with the surroundings and conditions, something he believes could help them later.
Speaking to reporters at the stadium in Newcastle. He explained that the experience would not just be about the match itself, but about building comfort in the environment. He even joked that he would like his team to feel so at home there that they would become Newcastle’s team.
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Rugby World Cup: Jones Focuses on Youth Readiness
Being Australian himself, Jones said he hopes local supporters will adopt Japan as their second team. When they return to the same stadium during the Rugby World Cup. Looking ahead, Jones emphasized that the upcoming Test against Ireland, currently ranked among the top teams in the world, will be extremely useful preparation for Japan.
Their opening match of the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be played at the same venue against Samoa on October 3, 2027. Having already played on that ground could give his players an advantage when the pressure of the World Cup arrives.
Jones explained that Japan plans to spend a full week in Newcastle before their World Cup match against Samoa. He believes that learning how to make the most of that week, from training routines to getting used to the stadium, will be an important part of their preparations.
He also pointed out that Japan is likely to have a relatively young squad when the World Cup comes around. According to Jones, younger players often struggle to recall their first World Cup experiences because everything happens so quickly and feels overwhelming.
The noise, pressure, and intensity can blur together, making it difficult to settle into the moment. Because of this, Jones believes that even small advantages, such as having previously played in the same stadium, can make a real difference.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Ireland Held Up as Model for Japan
Familiarity with the field, dressing rooms, and atmosphere could help players feel calmer and more confident. When they step onto the pitch during such a major tournament. Jones also used Ireland as an example of what smaller rugby nations can achieve.
He praised Ireland’s progress over the years, noting that the country has built one of the strongest teams in the world despite having a relatively small population of about five million people. He said Ireland’s success shows how important it is to make the most of available talent.
Through strong systems, careful development, and smart planning, Ireland has managed to compete with and beat much larger nations. Jones believes Japan and even Australia can learn from that model.
He described Ireland as a tough, intelligent, and well-organized team, adding that Japan is excited about the challenge of facing them. Matches against high-level opponents, he said, are essential for improving and testing a team’s limits. Meanwhile, John O’Driscoll, president of the Irish Rugby Football Union, said he expects strong support from Irish fans living in Australia.
He believes many expatriates will travel to Newcastle to watch the match. Potentially filling the 30,000-seat stadium and creating an exciting atmosphere. This match will be part of the first-ever men’s Nations Championship, a new international competition.
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FAQS
Why does Eddie Jones want Australian fans to support Japan?
Eddie Jones hopes Australian fans will adopt Japan as their second team, especially when they play in Newcastle. Being Australian himself, he believes local support could boost his team’s confidence during both the Nations Championship Test and the Rugby World Cup 2027.
Why is the Japan vs Ireland match in Newcastle important?
The match is important because it will help Japan become familiar with the stadium and conditions before their Rugby World Cup 2027 opener against Samoa at the same venue. It is also the first neutral international Test in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic.
How will the Newcastle experience help Japan’s young squad?
Japan is expected to have a relatively young team for the World Cup. Playing in Newcastle beforehand will help players gain experience and reduce nerves, making them more comfortable when they return for their World Cup match.
Why did Eddie Jones highlight Ireland as a model for Japan?
Jones praised Ireland for becoming one of the world’s strongest rugby teams despite having a small population. He said their success shows how smart planning, strong systems, and proper talent development can help smaller nations compete with larger ones.
What is the Nations Championship mentioned in the article?
The Nations Championship is a new international rugby competition that will feature top teams from both the northern and southern hemispheres. The Japan vs Ireland match in Newcastle will be part of this new tournament.