Eddie Jones calls on Pep to help Japan

Japan's national rugby team coach Eddie Jones has sought the counsel of Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola to incorporate the Spanish soccer coach's tactics into the rugby national selection.

According to Japanese news agency Kyodo, the former Wallabies coach made several trips to Germany to meet with the former Barcelona player and coach, whom he described as the best soccer manager in the world.

Jones decided to contact Guardiola to seek technical advice in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup that will be held in Britain next year, where Jones' goal is to reach the quarter-finals.

Jones' aim was to get tips on how to make his team tactically more flexible so as to facilitate changing formations as the game progresses.

"Rugby and soccer are very similar in that you always want to move the ball into space," Jones said.

"Bayern Munich and his previous team, Barcelona, played the most fantastic passing game you have ever seen.

"I really think we can improve greatly with adjustments in the way we train."