Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
‘Passing’ 150 Super Rugby caps will see Aaron Smith join an exclusive club. He has been a one franchise man, who is maturing into one of the best halves in the modern game. At age 31, entering his premier stage of a Domestic and International career that has been crowned by a Super Rugby title […] READ MORE
Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has said that his sides summer test against Wales is unlikely to go ahead. Talking to the Pick up the Pace podcast he revealed why the game is in jeopardy. Summer test on hold Wales are set to play Japan before heading into a two-match series against New Zealand. Jamie […] READ MORE
News that Dave Rennie will step into the Australian head coach role appears to reinforce a common belief that many of the best choices are commonly New Zealanders. This appointment reinforces the idea that Kiwis (New Zealanders) increase the value of the International rugby coach. Not a statement of fact, although the evidence and widespread […] READ MORE
When a list of names was put forward as potential candidates for the vacant All Blacks Coach position last week, the New Zealand Rugby administration was inundated with quality choices. From domestic title winners, to European and International rugby leaders. It all makes for an interesting selection process, and a widely anticipated appointment. Widely; well […] READ MORE
It’s that time of the year again when World Rugby feels festive and announces its nominees for the annual World Rugby Awards. The latest news sees the coach and team line-ups announced. Coach of the Year nominees Rassie Erasmus – South Africa Having left a strong Munster outfit to take over a rather shaky Springboks […] READ MORE
Japan are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and if that happens, expect unprecedented scenes of delight across this amazing country. They opened this tournament with a 30-10 win over Russia and last weekend’s thrilling 38-19 victory against Samoa, where a Kotaro Matsushima try in the […] READ MORE
Japan rugby may soon be the main rugby team fans will be talking about; aside from the Kiwis from New Zealand. Hugely popular, as well as being successful in their home-World Cup tournament. This boost in popularity came about after their victory over Samoa which recorded the biggest ever broadcast audience in Japan. World Rugby […] READ MORE
Hosting your own Rugby World Cup leaves you with several burdens. One, you have to perform reasonably well and two, you have to engage the wider audience into your spectacle. This is easier said than done, especially for a country that takes a lot to remove sumo wrestling from the headlines – something Japan’s opening […] READ MORE
Japan will become the first tier-two nation to host a Rugby World Cup this year. After stunning the world in 2015 Jamie Joseph’s side will look to repeat the experience again but this time on home turf. Rounding off David Challis’ tier two preview series we look at the potential for the Japan side. For […] READ MORE
England v Japan is just as important as the other three games in the autumn series. After a hugely promising performance in defeat against the All Blacks, England will know that the expectations will be high for the visit of Japan. The Cherry Blossoms are improving and have a wily coach in the form of […] READ MORE