Japan

'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

'I'd Say Ruan Nortje Gets the Job': Kitshoff's Springbok Captaincy Pick Comes With a Catch

Former Bok prop Steven Kitshoff has named Bulls lock Ruan Nortje as the man most likely to inherit Siya Kolisi's captaincy, but Nortje's looming move to Japan and Rassie Erasmus's preference for locally based leaders complicate the succession plan.

Rugby Union · 5/5/2026

'A Sneak Peek of What's Coming': Newcastle Lands Japan-Ireland Test as RWC 2027 Build-Up

Newcastle has been confirmed as the venue for a Japan v Ireland international Test on Saturday 11 July 2026, with NSW ministers framing the fixture as a 'sneak peek' of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Hunter region city will host four pool matches at the global tournament, including Japan v Samoa.

Rugby Union · 4/23/2026

'For Mine, It Is None of Them': Two Cents on Replacing Moana Pasifika

With Moana Pasifika's Super Rugby exit now confirmed, Two Cents Rugby walks through the four replacement options on the table — the Cheetahs, an Aussie franchise, the Jaguares and a Japanese side — before delivering a blunt verdict: none of them fit.

Rugby Union · 4/23/2026

Where Do Tongan and Samoan Players Go After Moana Pasifika? Wasiliev Has a Theory

Australian rugby pundit Nick Wasiliev argues that the collapse of Moana Pasifika has not killed Pacific opportunities, but says the path now runs through New Zealand, France, Japan and a possible Super Rugby AU re-build.

Rugby Union · 4/17/2026

'A Library Book of Experience': Overseas Wallabies Tested as Skelton Ruptures Achilles

Rugby Heaven's Justin Harrison and Cameron Shepherd took stock of Joe Schmidt's overseas-based Wallabies just as Will Skelton delivered the worst news of the week — a ruptured Achilles at La Rochelle. From Exeter to Ulster, Japan to La Rochelle, the panel picked apart what the Wallaby class of 2026 is absorbing from the Northern Hemisphere grind.

Rugby Union · 4/11/2026

Damian de Allende on Japan, Family and the Quiet Side of a Springbok Legend

The two-time World Cup-winning centre reveals why life in Japan suits him, how his wife grounded him, and why being at his brother's wedding meant more than any trophy tour.

Rugby · 3/30/2026

'I Was Sh*t-Scared': Ardie Savea Reveals the All Blacks' 2023 World Cup Mindset

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has spoken with rare honesty about the fear that gripped him before New Zealand's 2023 Rugby World Cup opener against France, the rage that fuelled the team's run to the final, and his belief that World Rugby's eligibility rules need to evolve. He also offered a window into his life now in Japan.

Rugby · 3/9/2026