NEWSWORTHY
Scotland's Stuart Hogg looks ahead to rematch with Brave Blossoms
Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg admits the autumn heat in Japan could hamper his team's chances of claiming a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal spot at the host nation's expense later this year. But he also warns that the Scots are quick learners. "We played Japan in 2016 ...
JRFU's bewildering plans for Top League reform spark skepticism, opposition
The news that the Japan Rugby Top League is to undergo reform following this year's World Cup should have been met with heraldic fanfare, given the nation's recent entry into the Reiwa Era. But having spoken to a number of coaches, players and longtime observers ...
Jamie Joseph still has many questions after Wolf Pack's victory over Western Force
With just under 150 days to go until Japan kicks off the 2019 Rugby World Cup against Russia in Tokyo, Jamie Joseph's side is slowly starting to gather momentum. On Saturday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, the Wolf Pack — the name given to ...
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend says team must be at best to beat Japan at World Cup
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said Monday his side will need to be at their best if they are to beat hosts Japan and advance to the quarterfinals of this year's Rugby World Cup. Speaking at the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club after giving a coaching ...
Proposed new league presents issues for Japan
A World Rugby news release late Wednesday night from Dublin may have appeased some parties concerned by plans for a new worldwide league, but many questions remain as to how Japan will be affected. The sport's governing body was attacked from all sides last week ...
Amanaki Lelei Mafi called up to Japan's Rugby World Cup camp amid assault proceedings
Amanaki Lelei Mafi, who is undergoing criminal proceedings for assault, has been called up to Japan's extended Rugby World Cup training camp, the Japan Rugby Football Union announced Monday. The No. 8, who was charged with intent to injure former Melbourne Rebels teammate Lopeti Timani ...
Kazuki Himeno looks to follow example set by Japan captain Michael Leitch
With the 2019 Rugby World Cup set to kick off in less than seven months, members of the Japan squad went through their paces Thursday at the national team camp in the western Tokyo city of Machida. Among the players looking to make their mark ...
With ban lifted, Christian Loamanu hopes for return to Top League
Former Brave Blossoms wing Christian Loamanu is hoping for a shot at redemption and the opportunity to finish his rugby career in Japan. But he will have to get past some longstanding animosity and overcome some new challenges if his wish is to come ...
Tickets for all of host nation Japan's Rugby World Cup 2019 pool games have sold out following the start of sales on a first-come, first-served basis, organizers said Saturday. Sales of tickets for all 48 matches began online at 10 a.m. Japan Standard Time, with ...
With the final countdown to this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan well under way, organizers are focusing their efforts on contingency planning in the notoriously earthquake and typhoon-prone country, tournament director Alan Gilpin told AFP. On the pitch, Gilpin predicted the 2019 edition of ...
Japan hooker Shota Horie focused on rehab following foot surgery
Japan hooker Shota Horie said Thursday he underwent surgery on his right foot in November to treat a stress fracture. Horie, who plays for the Top League's Panasonic Wild Knights, is expected to return to the field by this autumn's Rugby World Cup, having been ...
Brave Blossoms to face Fiji, Tonga in 2019 Pacific Nations Cup
Japan's preparations for the 2019 Rugby World Cup became a lot clearer Tuesday with the announcement that the Brave Blossoms will play in a revamped Pacific Nations Cup in July and August. Jamie Joseph's side will play two home games — against Fiji in Kamaishi, ...
