Eddie Jones defends Japan trip

England head coach Eddie Jones has broken his silence over the criticism aimed his way over his trip to Japan.

Jones came under fire in April for linking up with Suntory Sungoliath in Tokyo during his annual leave after a disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Speaking to the media for the first time since the review into England's tournament performance, Jones said: "For 25 years, I have always practised coaching and I had to use my holidays to practise coaching because I love it.

"I get the opportunity to do a little bit of coaching at Suntory and I get the opportunity to work with some of the best players in the world.

"Bob Dwyer, who was the coach who had the foremost influence on my coaching, always said the best players are the best coaches, so find the best players, pick their brains and learn from them.

Eddie Jones has responded to criticism for travelling to and coaching in Japan in April while England coach 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/tNiDtxbih1

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 2, 2021

"That is the best way to improve your coaching and that is something I have done continually for 25 years.

"I go round clubs to try and pick people's brains and obviously you share some information. That is the obvious thing - it is information-sharing but very useful."

The England chief added: "I am a coach and I have got to practice coaching. If you are a golfer, you play golf and if you are a coach, you coach.

"I only get 12 weeks a year to coach with England, so I have to use my time in between to practise coaching and find better ways to coach."