Former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock said in 2007, "The Rugby World Cup isn't just a celebration of rugby, it's a celebration of the host nation." RWC 2019 proved to be just that, with South Africa a worthy winner on the field, Japan celebrating the performance ...

If England beats South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday it would be appropriate if it celebrates not with a few Heinekens, the tournament's official beer, but with some Suntory brews. For the Japanese brewer's rugby team, Suntory Sungoliath, has been giving ...

In a world where stats abound, it's somewhat ironic that the favorite saying of one of the major reasons behind Japan's success on the international rugby field in recent years is "It's only a number, mate." Luke Thompson confirmed after last Sunday's Rugby World Cup ...

The catchphrase of the ongoing Rugby World Cup in Japan is "Once in a Lifetime." The big question, a day after the Brave Blossoms were knocked out of the competition by South Africa, is will Japanese rugby be able to prove that wrong and ...

Japan coach Jamie Joseph said Monday the team's impressive work ethic played a major role in the hosts making a run to the Rugby World Cup's last eight for the first time. Speaking a day after the Brave Blossoms were knocked out of the tournament ...

Japan's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa on Sunday could well end up being determined by which coach is the better poker player. At first glance, it would appear Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has made his intentions very clear by packing his bench with ...

The defining moment during Sunday's enthralling Rugby World Cup game between Japan and Scotland in Yokohama was not Kenki Fukuoka's superb second try. Nor was it any of the umpteen tackles put in by Luke Thompson or Ryoto Nakamura. It came 21 minutes into a ...

Japan captain Michael Leitch said Monday he would be asking for help from a trio of former All Blacks in the build-up to next weekend's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal with South Africa. "I am going to talk to Richard Kahui, Cory Jane and Stephen Donald ...

The Japan vs. Scotland clash in Yokohama was always one of the most talked about fixtures when the draw for the Rugby World Cup was made in Kyoto in 2017. And so it has proved, though sadly not always for the reasons most were hoping ...

With so many permutations as to which teams from Pool A will reach the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup — made more complicated by the possible intervention of Typhoon Hagibis — South Africa's coaching team is not looking too far ahead. The Springboks should ...