Rugby's missed opportunity in Tokyo: From a packed house in 2019 to empty stands in 2021
Almost two years and a pandemic later, Tokyo Stadium sat empty for the finals of the OIympic rugby sevens match between New Zealand and defending champions Fiji.
Biracial representation, game soundtracks and shiny pecs: bright moments at a somber Olympic opening
The program lacked the over-the-top glitz originally planned, but still served some memorable scenes, with pantomime performers and Naomi Osaka stealing the show.
Japan's rugby sevens teams hoping to build on momentum from Rio and 2019 World Cup
Returning Olympians who know the agony of just losing out on a medal and youthful exuberance will spearhead Japan's challenge in the rugby sevens Olympic tournament.
At long last, the Tokyo Olympics have begun
After a tumultuous year, an unprecedented Olympics got underway in Tokyo in the age of the new normal.
Ten years on, rugby lifts spirits in tsunami-struck Kamaishi
Passion for rugby is offering a beacon of hope in the northeastern city of Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, after it was ravaged by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. "We were able to aim for the same goal, the World Cup," said Yoshihiko Sakuraba, general manager ...
Final Top League set to kick off as rugby clubs eye new era
Beginning next year, the top 25 teams in the nation — 16 from the Top League and nine Top Challenge League sides — will play in a new three-tier competition.
Can Japan make the most of its Rugby World Cup legacy?
One year after the global tournament kicked off, the impact of COVID-19 is hampering efforts to build on the hugely successful event.
Japan praised for hosting successful Rugby World Cup
An economic impact report on the 2019 Rugby World Cup confirms the 44-day event was the success organizers were hoping it would become when Japan was named host. The report, which was done by Ernst and Young and released Wednesday by the tournament organizing committee, ...
JRFU hopes to be key to more unified rugby world
Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi hopes Japan can help steer rugby toward a global calendar and develop the sport in Asia.
Agustin Pichot looking to change sport's mindset through run for World Rugby chairman
The former Argentina captain believes that strong emerging nations such as Japan deserve to participate in high-level international competitions.
Odd decisions, big questions amidst crises in Japanese rugby
With rugby seemingly done for the season, it is time to look back on a crazy few months that have seen Japanese rugby go from the highs of the 2019 Rugby World Cup to a state of confusion in which even a former Brave ...
2019 RWC organizers allocate funds for development of rugby, new museum
The 2019 Rugby World Cup generated a surplus of ¥6.8 billion ($65 million), the organizers' board of directors reported Tuesday. Organizers are asking the Japan Rugby Football Union to spend ¥2 billion of the profits, intended for the development of rugby, toward the construction of ...
