"Ireland have all the power" - Eddie Jones lambasts decision to move Japan clash to Australia

Eddie Jones believes the reason his Japan side must play their Nations Championship clash against Ireland in Australia this Summer is because "Ireland have all the power." Ireland and Japan will face off in Newcastle on July 11th in the new tournament, which pits the 12 best ranked teams in the Northern and Southern hemisphere against each other across six rounds of matches. Andy Farrell 's side will face Australia in Sydney on July 4th, before taking on Jones' Japan a week later, with that game set to be seen as a 'home' game for Japan despite the match taking place in Australia. Safe to say, Jones isn't too impressed with the decision: "You know why we're playing Ireland in Newcastle? Ireland have all the power at World Rugby," Jones told the Rugby Unity podcast.

"So we have to play our home game, that should be in Tokyo, in Australia to make sure Ireland don’t have to travel too much - let’s be frank about it. "We have to just suck it up and that’s what happens when you’re not a major political power at the table." Ireland conclude their 'southern' section of the series with a clash against the All-Blacks on July 18th. They will face Argentina, Fiji and South Africa in November, and will hope to be involved in a 'finals weekend' at Twickenham. Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond