Japan

The Rugby World Cup pool system has a serious flaw. It is not only problematic but it is also highly controversial and non-sporting. While all teams competing at RWC 2019 will play four pool matches the manner in which they do so is vastly different. If you have already guessed …

In the third match of Pool A tournament hosts Japan face Ireland in Shizuoka. The winner of the fixture will go top of the pool and have one foot firmly in the Quarter Finals. Japan Head Coach Jamie Joseph has called up Amanaki Mafi into the back-row which sees reshuffling. …

Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week. In this week’s edition ARN has expanded the scope to incorporate all not only the Americas but also from RWC 2019.   UP …

Japan can smile now as Ireland humbled Scotland this morning in Yokohama. Following on from Japan’s 30-10 win over Russia the second Pool A match saw Ireland winning 27-3 against Scotland. The Irish were far better than the Scots, with this applies to all facets of play. It saw Ireland …

RWC 2019 kicked-off with Japan vs Russia this morning. The match was an appropriate tournament opening with both Japan and Russia having their share of highlights. To access the complete match report click here. The follow match highlights are courtesy of World Rugby.

A nervous start from Japan saw the possibility for an upset in the RWC 2019 opener against Russia in Tokyo this morning. Appalling ball-handling and a lack of commitment to the breakdown from the shots saw the Bears competing well in the opening half. In the second half the pieces …

There are always interesting numbers to look at as the Rugby World Cup progresses but there are already some worth taking note of before the tournament begins. As ever the game features a mix of youth and experience, big and small, and very which way in between.   SIZE MATTERS …

RWC 2019 will open like no other prior Rugby World Cup. The inaugural fixture will put together two teams who are designated as Tier 2. Looking past the problematic categorization, as Japan are not behind Italy, it is a match to truly underline the term the global game. Of the …

Rugby World Cup 2007 would be a very different tournament to that of RWC 2003. With more even match scheduling it would be a more competitive event and there would be far more unpredictability in the results. Unlike RWCs 1999 and 2003 there would be three rather than four competitors …

RWC 2019 has officially become the highest grossing Rugby World Cup. Three days out from the start of the competition the tournament has already surpassed all others. Japan bid for RWC 2011 only to lose to New Zealand. At the time of the decision, in 2005, it was voted against …