Tour a diplomatic and developmental dividend for Ireland

Japan 13

The decent challenge posed by Japan — while still not coming anywhere near this inexperienced Irish side — was probably the perfect end to a summer tour which has thrown up an abundance of positives.

Ireland has benefited on three fronts from this tour. In the committee rooms, a fairly serious twist was made in America and here in Japan to harness votes to swing the 2023 World Cup a step closer to Ireland.