Rugby Sep 14, 2020
Brave Blossoms won't play at all in 2020 because of pandemic
by Andrew McKirdy
Brave Blossoms have not played a match since their World Cup quarterfinal defeat to South Africa on Oct. 20 last year.
Rugby Sep 5, 2020
Can Japan make the most of its Rugby World Cup legacy?
by Andrew McKirdy
One year after the global tournament kicked off, the impact of COVID-19 is hampering efforts to build on the hugely successful event.
Rugby Aug 28, 2020
The Brave Blossoms had been scheduled to participate alongside Europe's traditional Six Nations sides as well as fellow invitee Fiji.
Rugby Jul 28, 2020
Scotland could get Japan rugby rematch in eight-nation tournament
Scotland will get the chance to avenge their defeat by 2019 Rugby World Cup host Japan when the Six Nations countries along with the Japanese and crowd-pleasing Fiji compete in an eight nation tournament from November 14 to December 5, British media reported on ...
Rugby Jun 15, 2020
Rugby World Cup star Kenki Fukuoka gives up Olympic aspirations for career in medicine
by Kaz Nagatsuka
Brave Blossoms star has decided to focus his attention on club rugby while also trying to get into medical school.
Rugby Jun 15, 2020
Rugby World Cup star Kenki Fukuoka gives up Olympic aspirations for career in medicine
Kenki Fukuoka will continue to play in the Top League while studying to enter medical school.
Olympics / Summer Olympics / Rugby Jun 13, 2020
Rugby World Cup star Kenki Fukuoka gives up on bid to make Olympic sevens team
Rugby World Cup star Kenki Fukuoka will give priority to pursuing a medical career and abandon his bid to play sevens at the Tokyo Olympic Games next summer, a source said Saturday. The 27-year-old, who is studying to become a doctor, had planned to bid ...
Rugby May 19, 2020
'Iron Man' Hitoshi Ono retires with record 98 caps for Japan
Lock Hitoshi Ono, the most-capped Japan international of all time with 98 caps, will retire from rugby at the age of 42, his team Toshiba Brave Lupus said on Monday. Ono, who was part of Eddie Jones' Japan side that beat South Africa in a ...
Rugby May 9, 2020
British and Irish Lions still hoping to face Japan at home in 2021
The British and Irish Lions are still planning on playing a rare home test next year against Japan, The Times reported Friday. The Lions are already scheduled for an eight-match tour of South Africa, and if a home test against Japan does occur in June ...
Rugby Apr 22, 2020
Jamie Joseph expecting Japan's summer tests against England, Wales to be called off or postponed
With Japan's summer test matches against Wales and Rugby World Cup runner-up England almost guaranteed to be called off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Brave Blossoms coach Jamie Joseph is hoping the games can be played at a later date. Talking recently to ...
Rugby Apr 17, 2020
Agustin Pichot looking to change sport's mindset through run for World Rugby chairman
by Rich Freeman
The former Argentina captain believes that strong emerging nations such as Japan deserve to participate in high-level international competitions.
Rugby Apr 17, 2020
Michael Leitch says Japan must become 'One Team' to beat coronavirus
by Kaz Nagatsuka
“One Team,” the slogan used by Japan's Brave Blossoms at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, was selected as the 2019 buzzword of the year. Now team captain Michael Leitch believes that the whole country needs to become “One Team” to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. Speaking to ...