Jones looking forward to Japan challenge after England confirm 2020 tour

Eddie Jones is excited to get the chance to return to Japan after it was confirmed Rugby World Cup finalists England will tour there in 2020.

England, who overcame Australia and New Zealand in the knockout stages, lost 32-12 to South Africa in the final last Saturday.

Tournament hosts Japan, meanwhile, impressed many on their run to the quarter-finals, where they eventually went out to the Springboks.

It was announced on Friday that England will go back to Japan next year, with a two-match Test series scheduled for July.

“Japan were fantastic Rugby World Cup hosts and we feel humbled to have been a part of it,” said Jones.

“The England squad had a fantastic experience of the country and we are excited to return in July next year.

England to return to Japan 

4.7.20 in Oita

11.7.20 in Kobe

Two fixtures confirmed for July Test Series…

https://t.co/A5VenvDdEX pic.twitter.com/vt2BVnvhQr

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 8, 2019

“The Japan national team have shown again how good a side they are with their performances during the World Cup and I know they will provide a great test for us in July.”

England have only played against Jones’ former team Japan on two occasions, winning 35-15 at Twickenham in November 2018 having previously met in the inaugural World Cup in 1987.

The first Test will be on July 4 at the Showa Denko Dome in Oita, the venue where England knocked out the Wallabies, while the second will be held in Kobe a week later.

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