Sapporo Dome Impresses Jones

The head coach of England Eddie Jones says he is relishing the fixture of the side at the Sapporo Dome at the 2019 Rugby World Cup (RWC) after visiting the venue this week.

He is in Japan for a race as he prepares for showpiece event of rugby in less than two years. England will start their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign at the same stadium, where they will face team Tonga on 22 September.

Jones after seeing the venue said, “It is going to be perfect conditions in September for rugby. We are hoping to play here in front of 40,000 audiences. It is going to be a great occasion for Sapporo and also for England rugby. So, we really excited about it and delighted to play here in coming days.”

Second Pool C game of England will be against USA at Kobe Misaki Stadium, which will take place on Thursday 26 September.

“The visit’s purpose of Jones is to review the facilities up here and also to make the best choice for the team of England.”

On 5 October, Jones’ side will then play Argentina at Tokyo Stadium, before finishing the group stages opposite France on 12th of October at International Stadium Yokohama.

Jones said, “The climate of this place is going to be very similar to England in the month of September, so, players do not have to do much adapting. Moreover, the team is also well equipped to handle the conditions on the field. Against Tonga, we have a tough game. We know the surface is going to be perfect and also know that the conditions are going to be perfect. So, we are expecting here some very good game of rugby.”