Japan

Fiji’s hopes to retain their Pacific Nations Cup title were dealt a potentially fatal blow as they were well beaten by a clinical Japan side by 34-21 in Kamaishi. The newly-constructed Unosumai Stadium proved a wonderful venue with a passionate crowd treated to an entertaining match in a preview of …

A match that will be of interest to many Tier 1 fans will see Fiji opening their Pacific Nations Cup defense against Japan. Not only will it be the first test played at the newly constructed Unosumai Stadium in Kamaishi, it features the two highest-ranked teams in the competition with …

The 2019 Pacific Nations Cup is set to begin this weekend and for the first time since 2015 – also a World Cup year – there will be North American teams involved. It’s a tournament that many American fans would like to see return to the rotation on a regular …

Peceli Yato will make his return for Fiji against Japan in the opening weekend of the Pacific Nations Cup. The Clermont Auvergne star missed out on the matches against the New Zealand Māori but is ready to take his place in an intimidating loose forward group set to be unleashed …

Tonga have called up uncapped midfielder Mali Hingano for the Pacific Nations Cup following the withdrawal of Tasman’s Fetuli Paea. The 27-year-old Hingano is a native of Australia but qualifies for both Tonga and Samoa on ancestry. He is the only change to the 31-man Ikale Tahi squad. Hingano played …

Japan are headed back to the World Rugby u20 Championship after defeating Portugal 35-34 in a thrilling contest at the Estadio Martins Pereira on Sunday evening. Portugal were in the lead at halftime and it wasn’t until the 75th minute when the Baby Blossoms were able to secure the winning …

The pool stage has come to a close and it’s Finals Day at the World Rugby u20 Trophy in São José dos Campos. All eight teams will be in action playing for their final placement, with Portugal attempting to upset Japan in the main event. There will be Americas teams …

What was supposed to be a routine victory was anything but as Kenya were within two points of Japan at the hour mark, only to slip away in the final quarter. The Baby Blossoms needed help from their reserves to get the job done in the 48-34 victory that kept …

Japan coach Jamie Joseph has trimmed his Japan squad to 31 players for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. While not the final cut for the World Cup, it casts doubt on the hopes of those left out though Joseph has clarified that some players have been rested. Two who are …

Two rounds are now in the books and realistically there are two spots yet to be sorted for the finals. Pool A has been all but sorted with Japan only requiring a single bonus point against Kenya to clinch their spot in the Final. Meanwhile it’s a dead heat in …