Japan

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

Savea-Led Kobe Steelers Storm Into Japan League One Final

Dave Rennies Kobelco Kobe Steelers crushed Tokyo Sungoliath 69-23 in a record-breaking semi-final to reach the Japan Rugby League One final against Kubota Spears.

Rugby Union · 6/5/2026

Jesse Kriel Snubs Europe, Vows to Stay in Japan Until Title

Springbok centre Jesse Kriel has rejected Premiership and Top 14 interest, insisting he will not leave the Yokohama Canon Eagles until he wins a title, and offered a defiant take on rugby's congested global calendar.

Rugby Union · 6/4/2026

Savea and Rennie Delayed in Japan as All Blacks Captaincy Looms

Kobelco Kobe Steelers' run to the Japan Rugby League One final keeps Dave Rennie and Ardie Savea offshore, compressing the All Blacks' build-up to the France series as Savea closes on the captaincy.

Rugby Union · 6/1/2026

'Inbound Interest': Mesley Says Japan Is Super Rugby's Next Frontier

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley confirms 'inbound interest' from clubs worldwide and says a Japanese return is 'possible' down the road as the league plots its next broadcast-cycle geography.

Rugby Union · 5/24/2026

Six-Test Super Saturday: Nations Championship 2026 Confirmed To Open July 4 With Six Simultaneous Tests

The 2026 Nations Championship launches on Saturday, 4 July, with six simultaneous Tests across three continents — New Zealand v France, Australia v Ireland, South Africa v England, Japan v Italy, Fiji v Wales and Argentina v Scotland — kicking off the inaugural southern series.

Rugby Union · 5/15/2026

Eddie Jones Banned Six Weeks: Japan Cuts His Pay Over U23 Referee Abuse

Japan Rugby has suspended head coach Eddie Jones for six weeks and docked his salary after he verbally abused match officials during the under-23 tour of Australia. The Wallabies and England old-hand will miss four Brave Blossoms tests — including the All Blacks fixture — and faces fresh questions about a discipline record that stretches back two decades.

Rugby Union · 5/14/2026

'It Is Happening': Steve Hansen Confronts the All Blacks Exodus

An exodus of New Zealand-based talent to Japan, France and the English Premiership has created a difficult opening hand for incoming All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, with former coach Sir Steve Hansen urging the union to face up to a global market that is 'a reality'.

Rugby Union · 5/6/2026