Rugby
New Zealand began the on-field buildup to its defense of the World Cup with a scratch combination and a scratchy 20-16 win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship on Saturday. Missing ...
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Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan
Host cities, Prefectures and stadiums
Schedule
Rugby
New Zealand Maori made major improvements in the space of a week to beat Fiji 26-17 in a rugby international Saturday, tying the two-match series 1-1. Fiji outclassed the New Zealanders ...
Rugby
Nigel Owens will pick up where he left off at the Rugby World Cup when the Welshman referees the opening match in September between host Japan and Russia, it was ...
Rugby Jul 20, 2019
Cheer song 'Daenzakura' unites players, fans
by Hiroshi Ikezawa
Music and sports are completely different fields. There are many situations, however, where their paths cross. Often it's music and songs that help cheer up fans and teams and allow supporters to develop strong bonds with the players and each other. Singing "Take Me Out ...
Rugby Jul 18, 2019
With 64 day to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Japan, tickets destined for international fans began shipping Thursday from Tokyo. Around 33 percent of the 1.8 million tickets that the local organizing committee hope will be sold by the time the ...
Rugby Jul 13, 2019
Fiji gave the first indication of its Rugby World Cup potential when it beat a strong New Zealand Maori team 27-10 Saturday in the opener of a two-match series. The Maori were strengthened by the selection of a large number of players, including recent All ...
Rugby Jul 12, 2019
Ex-Toyota Verblitz player Ryota Kabashima admits to cocaine possession
Former Toyota Verblitz flyhalf Ryota Kabashima was released on bail of ¥2 million ($18,460) on Friday, after admitting to a charge of possessing cocaine. "I am sorry for causing trouble to many people," Kabashima, 28, who faces a charge of violating the Narcotics Control ...
Rugby | ADDING THE EXTRAS Jul 12, 2019
Rugby World Cup fever set to bring masses to Japan
by Rich Freeman
The 2019 Rugby World Cup has been dubbed by organizers as a "once-in-a-lifetime" event. And for many of the more than 400,000 foreigners expected to travel here, it will be their one and only chance to visit Japan. Fans who are used to weekend jaunts ...
Rugby Jul 12, 2019
Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley said Friday he was leaving the NSW Waratahs to head overseas, reportedly joining Quade Cooper and a retiring Will Genia in accepting a lucrative Top League club contract. Foley, a 68-test veteran who is part of Australia's squad for the 2019 ...
Rugby Jul 10, 2019
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen attempts to clarify domestic violence comments
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has attempted to clarify his recent comments about domestic violence after criticism of his assertion that such assaults are "not a gender thing." Hansen made the comments while defending his decision to select Crusaders winger Sevu Reece in his Rugby ...
Rugby Jul 6, 2019
Crusaders conquer Jaguares to capture third straight Super Rugby title, 10th overall
The Christchurch-based Crusaders beat Argentina's Jaguares 19-3 in the Super Rugby final Saturday to win the Southern Hemisphere tournament for the third year in a row and the 10th time overall. Scott Robertson, who won three titles with the Crusaders as a player, has now ...
Rugby | ADDING THE EXTRAS Jul 5, 2019
New JRFU boss Shigetaka Mori faces uphill battle to initiate needed reforms
by Rich Freeman
As a player Shigetaka Mori, the new president of the Japan Rugby Football Union, knew all about success at the domestic level. As a member of the now-defunct Nippon Steel Corp. team in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, he helped the side win seven consecutive national championships ...