Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
With the Japan Top League quarterfinals set to commence this weekend, the growing numbers of Asian rugby fans are ready for knockout rugby. Agreed, that is the purpose of all rugby competitions yet, reaching this stage is one step. The next is to graduate past the knockout stages – Japan Top League quarterfinals follow on […] READ MORE
To the delight of many, Japan Top League preseason/training matches began in the lead-up to the 2021 season start. That is, despite raised Covid-19 fears, with the latest strain placing ongoing pressure on Japanese borders. Overseas players who have all been imported to support the raised profile of rugby union, may now also now feel […] READ MORE
Auckland Blues star back Beauden Barrett has announced he’ll take a year off from Super Rugby to play in Japan, with the contract thought to be worth nearly £800,000. Beauden Barrett bids goodbye! Beauden Barrett, who signed a four year deal with the NZRU last year will miss the 2021 Super Rugby season to play […] READ MORE
It is obvious that this will be a massive year ahead for the 16 Japan Top League clubs and players. That is due to there being multiple seasons squeezed within 12 months – how can it ‘not be bigger’ than your average Japan rugby calendar year. Bigger, why? Due to the Rugby World Cup obviously […] READ MORE
Beginning his term in the Japan Top League, former-All Black Dan Carter has debuted for his club side, the Kobelco Steelers. In a winning effort, the outstanding first-five showed a few nerves as he helped his side win 20-36, over the Suntory Sungoliath team in Tokyo. Those nerves would have been that he wanted to […] READ MORE
In a low scoring affair, the Japan Top League final was played out last weekend in front of 23,000 fans in Tokyo. The pinnacle of Japanese rugby, the defending champions Suntory Sungoliath triumphed 12-8 over the Panasonic Wild Knights. Even though former All Blacks and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was unable to add to his haul […] READ MORE
While Southern Hemisphere rugby fans wait patiently for their annual Super Rugby competition to begin, Japan Rugby Finals are occurring in the Asian nation. With some leading International players in the Japan Rugby Top League, it has several implications on the domestic rugby scene. Talent being primary, as some has been delayed from joining many […] READ MORE
Rugby writer focusing predominantly on Aviva Premiership and Top14. Big fan of Super Rugby and all things international.
Covered World Rugby U20 Championships in Georgia (2017) for LWOR, ESPN and Rugby World.
Planning for RWC in Japan 2019.