Billy’s ready to dive into a pool party

before England’s painful to Australia.

There is plenty more water to flow under the bridge before the next one but the draw at the Kyoto State Guest House, which Jones is attending, will be a significant staging post on the journey to Japan. “It’s just an indication of how quickly time goes. It only feels like yesterday that it was the World Cup here,” said Vunipola.

“We’ve already moved on with two Six Nations and two autumn international campaigns and the next thing you know it’s the Rugby World Cup pool draw.” Wales, who have named Jamie Roberts as captain for the upcoming Pacific tour, will be in the second tier of teams along with Scotland, the Springboks and exit France. The third tier will feature the hosts, Argentina, Italy and Georgia, with the remaining eight sides – including dangerous floaters such as Samoa and Fiji – still to qualify for the 20-nation tournament.

England skills coach Rory Teague, who worked with the side last season, is moving on to join Bordeaux.

Teague, who was promoted by Jones from the England Under-20s set-up, will replace Emile Ntamack as backs coach.

Former England fly-half Toby Flood is heading in the other direction across the Channel to rejoin Newcastle.

Flood, who has spent three seasons

at Toulouse, will become available for England again with his return to the Premiership but does not expect to add to his 60 caps.

“You’d never say never but the reality is I’ve come back to give as much as I can to Newcastle,” said Flood. “If anything comes after that then great, but it’s not a motivation for choosing to move back.

“England have got Owen Farrell and George Ford, and even a guy like Freddie Burns can’t get a sniff despite having played really well all season for one of the top teams. There’s a wealth of talent at fly-half for England and I’m aware that I’m an older man and down the pecking order.”

Scotland wing Sean Maitland will miss the rest of Saracens’ season with an ankle injury that may need surgery.

RUGBY WORLD BAND CUP TWO: THREE: 2019 DRAW – BAND ONE: BAND