The draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup took place in Kyoto on Wednesday morning. After proceedings which went on long enough to ensure Joe Schmidt now qualifies for Japan under residency rules, Ireland were given a very favourable draw for the tournament.
Drawn in Pool A, Ireland will face Scotland and hosts Japan. The other two teams in Ireland's group are yet to be decided. Though, Tonga and Romania are strong possibilities.
Given that the draw could not have gone much better for Ireland - some would have preferred Georgia rather than hosts Japan - reaction has mostly been positive.
Jamie Heaslip reportedly punched the air upon hearing Ireland's draw.
Jamie Heaslip punched the air when Ireland were drawn in pool one with Scotland and Japan. "We are happy with it. There are tougher groups."
— Alex Lowe (@AlexMLowe) May 10, 2017
Jeez @Scotlandteam will be delighted with that draw..... 😏
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) May 10, 2017
No excuses for Joe Schmidt now, that's the dream draw. Good chance Ireland will open the tournament against Japan #RWC2019
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) May 10, 2017
Hopefully bus will get Ireland there in time for this Scottish match. Looks good though. https://t.co/aHLezo8Ksx
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) May 10, 2017
Ireland have won all 5 tests against Japan and play them twice more next month.The IRFU will de delighted with how that worked out.#homework
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) May 10, 2017
No excuses for Ireland.
Get a chance to look at Japan this summer and know Scotland very well. #RWC2019— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) May 10, 2017
#RWC2019: time for Ireland to go deep.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) May 10, 2017
If Joe Schmidt was GAA coach " ah sure look we have serious respect for Japan there's great work going on there " #RWC2019
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) May 10, 2017
If the format of the tournament follows that of the 2015 World Cup, it's likely that Ireland will face the runners-up of Pool B if they top Pool A. The top two seeds in that pool are New Zealand and South Africa. That has caused some to temper their excitement.
Ireland look certain to play South Africa or New Zealand in 2019 RWC quarter-finals, so cool the jets.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) May 10, 2017
Ireland must measure RWC success by reaching SFs and thus it is by no means an easy draw. That said, we'll be a match for anyone. #COYBIG
— Harpin' On Rugby (@HarpinOnRugby) May 10, 2017
Good: that pool.
Bad: I'm presuming it's NZ or SA in the quarters.— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) May 10, 2017
Picture credit: Sportsfile
