Jones eyes Rugby World Cup 2027 to inspire next generation as Japan face France in Pool E

Japan head coach Eddie Jones has described Rugby World Cup 2027 as a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth, speaking to reporters in Townsville following his side’s 56-17 defeat to the Wallabies — a result that left Japan winless across two Tests in Australia this month.

“The World Cup’s that opportunity for rugby to be on the front page,” Jones said. “It gives it that opportunity on the front page and when kids see that, it encourages them to want to play rugby. It’s a fantastic opportunity. Games in Newcastle and Townsville help spread the gospel.”

The expanded tournament will feature 24 teams for the first time, with matches spread across seven cities and eight venues in Australia. Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium will host four pool-stage matches, including clashes between World Cup debutants Hong Kong China and Chile on October 9, Tonga versus Zimbabwe, and Spain against Canada on October 16. Georgia will also use the venue as preparation ground, facing Romania there before the tournament begins.

Japan, who made history at their home World Cup in 2019 by defeating Ireland and Scotland before falling to eventual champions South Africa in the quarter-finals, have been drawn in Pool E alongside reigning Six Nations champions France, the USA and Samoa. The Brave Blossoms will play their pool matches in Newcastle, Brisbane and Adelaide, with the pool winner advancing to face one of Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay or Portugal in the new round of 16.

The introduction of a round of 16 — a direct consequence of the expanded field — means more nations than ever will progress beyond the pool stage, a development Jones views as central to the tournament’s broader appeal.

Before thoughts turn fully to the World Cup, Japan must regroup for the Pacific Nations Cup after two difficult outings against the Wallabies. A 35-32 loss in Osaka was followed by a heavy 56-17 defeat in Townsville, where Australia scored 42 unanswered points.

“We’re not a team that can win a game of rugby with 43 per cent of possession,” Jones said. “We need 50-plus possession to win and then we become a really dangerous team. We weren’t able to do that today. The weight of possession went against us.”

Jones identified Australia’s ability to dominate possession and the resulting collision battle as the decisive factor in Townsville, acknowledging Japan were forced into prolonged defensive spells that ultimately proved too costly.