Kintetsu Liners' Luke Thompson bids farewell to home fans at Hanazono Rugby Stadium
Veteran lock Luke Thompson, who helped Japan reach the quarterfinals for the first time at this fall's Rugby World Cup, played his final home match at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Sunday. The 38-year-old Thompson, who plans to retire at the end of the season, played ...
Japan stalwart Thompson departs international scene
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 ...
Brave Blossoms coach Jamie Joseph says team is ready for physicality of Springboks
Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has warned his players to expect a brutal onslaught from South Africa's forwards when they go head to head in Sunday's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. But the New Zealander also hinted that the Brave Blossoms could have a trick up ...
Collective unity behind Japan's remarkable run
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 ...
Brave Blossoms warn rivals 'there's more to come' after reaching Rugby World Cup quarterfinals
Japan's players allowed themselves a moment of satisfaction after beating Scotland to reach the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time on Sunday, but warned their next opponent, South Africa: "we're not finished yet." "We're not packing our bags and saying 'that's enough,'" said ...
Brave Blossoms savor win over Ireland and shift focus to next match
Japan regular captain Michael Leitch hailed his team's momentous Rugby World Cup win over Ireland on Saturday as a "massive step" toward a first-ever place in the quarterfinals, but warned that nothing has been decided yet. "We still have a job to do," said Leitch, ...
The Sunwolves on Tuesday announced the signing of former Japan international forward Luke Thompson for the upcoming Super Rugby season. Playing primarily as a lock and sometimes as a flanker, the New Zealand-born Thompson earned 64 caps for the Brave Blossoms following his international debut ...
Lock Luke Thompson, a 36-year-old who retired from international duty after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has been recalled by Japan head coach Jamie Joseph for the Brave Blossoms' second test against Ireland on Saturday. Wing Akihito Yamada, back from injury, and flanker Shokei Kin ...
