Japan’s top rugby league wants to poach Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith from England, and hopes Eddie Jones can help sanction a move.
Ambitious chairman of JRLO Genichi Tamatsuka believes the England head coach can be a ‘bridge’ to lure more stars like Smith and Maro Itoje after the 2023 World Cup.
“It’s important my friend, our friend, Eddie Jones should recommend players to go to Japan Rugby League One,” said Tamatsuka in an exlcusive interview with the I. “That’s the critical, essential, element.
“Eddie is a really great supporter for Japan and Japan Rugby League One, and the national team and so on. He is obviously quite an influential person in England rugby. And he knows very well about Japanese rugby, how we are evolving for the future.
“So if Eddie can be the kind of bridge between the England players and the Japan Rugby League, that is really good. I met him many times. I had a dinner with him. And, you know, he coached my ex-rugby team, Keio University.”
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MOST GLAMEROUS PARTNERS OF RUGBY PLAYERS
#1. Eben Etzebeth & Anlia van Rensburg
Their engagement in March coincided with her birthday on the 24th. Afterwards Anlia wrote on Instagram: “By far the BEST day of my life!. By far the BEST day of my life! Thank you for giving me an unforgettable birthday! It was a Holy moment and I do not know if I have ever been so speechless… You are just everything @ebenetzebeth4 On life with you!”
#2. Joe Marchant: Hollie Shearer
She is one of Alan’s three children with wife Lainya, who he met early on in his illustrious career, while playing for Southampton.
The 25-year old singer has shared numerous shots with the popular speedster, who has represented his country four times.
Photos shared across social media suggest Hollie’s relationship with the 26-year-old is still in its early stages
#3. Conor Murray:
Munster scrum half Conor Murray is engaged to 2015 Miss Universe Ireland winner Joanna Cooper. She studied Journalism at Belfast University and now works as a model, on the books of Present Model Management and Studio Paris MGMT. The couple have cavapoo dog called Kevin.
#4. Ali Price: Anneka Madgett
The scrum-half is currently dating Content Creator/Youtuber Anneka Madgett - who covers a variety of topics including self love, mental health, fashion, makeup, food & fitness!
#5. Marcus Smith: Beth Dollman
The England and Harlequins fly-half has been dating the professional model Beth Dolling for over a year.
On Instagram, where she has amassed over 20,000 followers, Beth gives her fans a glimpse of her glitzy shoots and the behind the scenes life of England’s new superstar.
She also enjoys singing and has her own Instagram page packed with videos of her showing off her vocal talent. When will we hear rugby anthem Swing Low, Sweet Chariot?
