Japan

Kiss Hands Ross and Amatosero First Wallabies Starts in Osaka

Les Kiss made nine changes to the matchday 23 for his first Test in charge, handing Aidan Ross and Miles Amatosero maiden starts and putting uncapped Isaac Henry on the bench against Japan in Osaka.

Rugby Union · 8/6/2026

I Never Retired: Cooper Joins Wallabies Veteran World Cup Rush

Quade Cooper says he never retired and is open to a 2027 home World Cup return at 38, joining Bernard Foley and James O'Connor in a veteran rush back to Australian rugby. New coach Les Kiss is not biting — he has three flyhalves for Japan and no interest in a fourth.

Rugby Union · 8/1/2026

Japan Sell Out Hanazono as Wallabies Gap Narrows Under Jones

Japan and Australia meet at a near sold-out Hanazono on 8 August, with Eddie Jones fielding a young Brave Blossoms side and Les Kiss taking charge of the Wallabies for the first time.

Rugby Union · 7/31/2026

I Can Still Get Up There: Salakaia-Loto Answers Schmidt Lineout Doubt

Back in the Wallabies squad under Les Kiss after a contentious omission from Joe Schmidt's final selection, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has pushed back on the suggestion his size cost him lineout mobility - while insisting he is not expecting to walk straight into the second row against Japan.

Rugby Union · 7/29/2026

Kiss Keeps Suaalii at 13 as Henry Bolts Into First Wallabies Squad

Les Kiss has named a 34-man squad for the Japan Tests in his first selection as Wallabies coach, keeping Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at outside centre, handing uncapped Reds centre Isaac Henry a likely debut and keeping the door ajar for Jordan Petaia.

Rugby Union · 7/24/2026

France Rout Japan 42-15 to End Nations Tour on a High

France scored six tries to beat Japan 42-15 in sweltering Tokyo, closing their Nations Championship tour on a high. Fabien Galthie hailed his players but admitted his side were 'even a bit greedy' for more.

Rugby Union · 7/18/2026

Farrell Bats Away Eddie Jones as Ireland Ring Changes vs Japan

Andy Farrell rang nine changes and named four uncapped players to face Eddie Jones's in-form Japan in Newcastle, dismissing the Japan coach's scrum talk as familiar pre-match banter between two men who know each other well.

Rugby Union · 7/10/2026

Penaud Recalled as France Name Provisional Tour Squad

Fabien Galthié has recalled record try-scorer Damian Penaud in a 39-man provisional France squad for the Nations Championship tour of New Zealand, Australia and Japan, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos set to be rested.

Rugby Union · 6/21/2026

Eddie Jones Jokes of 'Laundry Basket' Dodge to Touchline Ban

Japan coach Eddie Jones used his first press conference since a four-match ban to joke about a Mourinho-style laundry-basket dodge - before apologising and setting a bold Nations Championship target.

Rugby Union · 6/10/2026

Rennie Wins Japan Title in Kobe Farewell Before All Blacks Job

Dave Rennie capped three years at Kobelco Kobe Steelers with a 22-13 Japan Rugby League One final win over Kubota Spears, his last match before taking charge of the All Blacks.

Rugby Union · 6/7/2026