England coach Borthwick hails Japan as threat to Six Nations

England coach Steve Borthwick insists Japan will provide a stern test for his side when they meet in the Six Nations for the first time.

The world champions will host Japan in June at Twickenham in the first non-European side to participate in the Championship.

England will also play Italy, Scotland, Wales, France and Ireland.

No.8 Billy Vunipola will not return until September after Achilles surgery, while fly-half Marcus Smith is a doubt for the Six Nations.

"I think it will be a huge challenge for us," said Borthwick.

"They [Japan] are a side that has improved immeasurably over the last few years. They've got some brilliant players, a very smart coaching team, and they play with a real 'no fear' attitude."

"I think it will be a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against a different style of play and see where we are in terms of our preparation for the World Cup."

Japan have been one of the most improved teams in world rugby in recent years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup and winning the Pacific Nations Cup in 2022.

They are coached by former All Blacks coach Jamie Joseph, who has a wealth of experience at the highest level.

Japan are expected to be a competitive force in the Six Nations, and Borthwick is taking them very seriously.

"They're a side that has got some brilliant players, a very smart coaching team, and they play with a real 'no fear' attitude," he said.

"I think it will be a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against a different style of play and see where we are in terms of our preparation for the World Cup."

England will play Japan at Twickenham on June 24.

New Zealand Rugby boss Robertson wants Jones for All Blacks

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has admitted he wants Eddie Jones to coach the All Blacks after the 2023 World Cup.

The former England coach has made no secret of his desire to coach the All Blacks one day, and Robinson has now confirmed that he is interested in bringing Jones to New Zealand.

"I've always said that if there's a New Zealand coach who can do the job, then we should appoint them," said Robinson.

"But if there isn't, then we need to look overseas. And Eddie Jones is one of the best coaches in the world."

"He's got a proven track record of success, and he knows how to win. I think he would be a great fit for the All Blacks."

Jones has been linked with the All Blacks job for several years, and he has always expressed his interest in the role.

However, he is currently contracted to coach England until after the 2023 World Cup.

If Jones does become the All Blacks coach, he would be the first overseas coach to hold the position.

Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Ian Foster have all coached the All Blacks in recent years, and they have all been successful.

However, Robinson believes that Jones could bring something different to the role.

"He's a very experienced coach, and he knows how to get the best out of his players," said Robinson.

"He's also a very good tactician, and he knows how to win.

"I think he would be a great fit for the All Blacks, and I would be very interested in talking to him about the role after the World Cup."

Tuipulotu ruled out of Six Nations with ankle injury

New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations with an ankle injury.

The Auckland Blues second-rower suffered the injury in the team's Super Rugby Pacific match against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Tuipulotu had been expected to play a key role for New Zealand in the Six Nations, but he will now miss the tournament.

The 29-year-old has been capped 43 times by New Zealand, and he was a member of the All Blacks squad that won the World Cup in 2015.

His absence will be a blow to New Zealand, who are already without several key players through injury.

Tuipulotu's injury is a reminder of the physical toll that rugby can take on players.

The Six Nations is one of the most demanding tournaments in world rugby, and it is not uncommon for players to suffer injuries during the competition.

New Zealand will be hoping that Tuipulotu can recover from his injury in time for the World Cup later this year.