japan

Japan douse Chile’s fire

Japan recovered from a slow start in Toulouse on Sunday to score six tries in spoiling Chile’s World Cup debut.

LIVE: Japan vs Chile

Follow the live action as Japan face Chile in a Pool D #RWC2023 clash in Toulouse. #JPNvCHI

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Marcus Smith of England celebrates after being awarded a penalty on the last play during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

2023 World Cup key players: Pool D

SA Rugby magazine identifies the players to watch in Pool D at the global showpiece in France.

Japan drop Lappies from RWC squad

Loose forward Kazuki Himeno was on Tuesday named Japan captain for the World Cup as the Brave Blossoms seek to replicate their impressive performances on home soil four years ago.

Japan's Michael Leitch (2R) looks at the umpire for showing a red card during the rugby union match between Japan and Samoa in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 at the Sapporo Dome in Sapporo on July 22, 2023.

Leitch red card costs Japan in Samoa

Japan admitted they would have to toughen up mentally ahead of the World Cup after losing to Samoa on Saturday following a first-half red card for veteran Michael Leitch.

Japan coach set to quit

Jamie Joseph has reportedly announced plans to step down as Japan head coach after this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Veteran Leitch: Japan can win World Cup

Japan loose forward Michael Leitch believes his team can win this year’s World Cup, claiming they have the best side the country has produced.

Malcolm Marx. Rugby Championship test match rugby union. New Zealand All Blacks v South Africa Springboks, QBE Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Saturday 16 September 2017. © Copyright photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.Photosport.nz

Marx not coming home

Fresh from winning a league title, Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has signed a new contract to extend his stay in Japan until after the 2023 World Cup.

Japan eager to host another World Cup

Japan wants to host the World Cup again as early as 2035, the country’s rugby union chief said, potentially bringing it back to Asia for a second time.

Best rebounder: Lappies vs Nel

Discarded by South Africa but adopted by Japan, Lappies Labuschagne proved his doubters wrong and paved his own way to the top, but did he do it better than WP Nel?