‘They have all the power’ – Eddie Jones slams Ireland following Nations Championship venue change

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All the power.

Eddie Jones has taken aim at Ireland after Japan were forced to move a scheduled home fixture out of Tokyo this summer.

The Japan head coach did not hold back when explaining why their Nations Championship clash with Ireland will instead be played in Newcastle, Australia.

“Ireland have all the power at the, at World Rugby,” Jones said.

The fixture was originally pencilled in as a home game for Japan, but Jones claims travel demands led to Ireland refusing to make the trip, leaving Japan to compromise.

“We have to play our home game, which should be in Tokyo, in Australia to make sure Ireland doesn’t have to travel too much, let’s be frank about this.

“Ireland said we’re not going, so we have to play in Newcastle, so we just have to suck it up.”

Jones suggested the situation highlights the imbalance of influence within the global game, with Tier One nations able to dictate terms.

“And that’s what happens when you’re not a major political power at the table.

“It’s reality.”

The former England boss then laid out the sequence of events that led to the decision, pointing to Ireland’s unwillingness to factor Japan into an already packed travel schedule.

“Ireland said we’re not going from New Zealand to Japan, then back to Australia. Right. So we’re not doing that.

“Okay. So, Japan, you want to be in the Nations Cup? Yes, of course we do.

“So, you’ve gotta use one of your home games to play in Australia. It’s simple, mate. It’s not complicated.”

While the game will still go ahead, it’s a bitter pill for Japan — and Jones has made it clear exactly where he believes the power lies.

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