Tag Archives: japan

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta joined Japan's Vissel Kobe on Thursday,

Scotland's recent form could make them outsiders at next year's World Cup.

Three potential transfers for players whose contracts are up at the end of the season.

Where to next for the former golden boy of Australian rugby?

Following the 2015 World Cup, there was soul-searching to be done for Irish rugby. After topping Pool D with a dominant win over France, Joe Schmidt’s side headed for the knockout stages showing form that they could potentially trouble the big guns later in the competition. However, without Jonathan Sexton, Sean O’Brien, Peter O’Mahony and Paul O’Connell, they were badly exposed …

Japan scored one of the most famous upsets in rugby history in 2015, as they pipped South Africa by two points at the death of an enthralling group-stage game at the World Cup. On Saturday night, the rugby minnows almost pulled off another shock win against France at the U Arena in Paris. The sides scored a penalty a piece …

Just days out from the biggest fight of the year, very few are giving Conor McGregor any chance at victory. Perhaps logically, this is the correct belief. But, if sport has taught us anything, it is that there are no guaranteed victories.  However many times we doubt Conor McGregor, he seems to always come up trumps. Each and every time …

According to England coach Eddie Jones, his squad for the World Cup is about 75% ready, but which spots are still to be decided and who could work their way into the Australian’s plans before the showpiece event in Japan in 2019? For the 2015 edition of the tournament, countries selected 31-man squads, so just how far down the road …

England head coach Eddie Jones named a 37-man squad for a training camp last week and it displayed some impressive depth in most positions right across the team. However, what if Jones was to put his charges through a trial match to determine his final starting line-up? Trial matches rarely occur now because of the workload of top players for …

England coach Eddie Jones has spoken of his desire to make his team ‘bulletproof’, but a lack of tried-and-tested options at fifteen could prove lethal to his side in 2019. The Australian has been vocal about the depth his side possess, and it is fair to say that in particular positions the national team can boast some of the best …

After the weekend’s semi-finals, the Lions of South Africa and New Zealand’s Crusaders will take part in this year’s Super Rugby final. The Lions made a remarkable second half comeback to beat defending champions the Hurricanes 44-29 while on Saturday morning, the Crusaders scored a 27-13 win in their all-New Zealand clash with the Chiefs. After a pair of breathtaking …

Japanese Super Rugby outfit the Sunwolves rocked the world of rugby with a 48-21 win over New Zealand side the Blues at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo. Soaring temperatures of 42 degrees contributed to an exciting and enthralling match, but initially it looked as if the Blues would walk away with a convincing victory as they raced to …

With the so called “Fourth Test” of the Lions Tour of New Zealand also taking place on Saturday morning against the Maori All Blacks, it is easy to forget that an experimental Ireland side are also taking on the ever-improving Japan. The Brave Blossoms recorded a solid 33-21 win over Romania last weekend, further pushig their claim of being the strongest Tier …

This summer, the focus will be on the British and Irish Lions as they take on the All Blacks however, that is not the only rugby activity on over the next month or so.  The action doesn’t stop for England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, they all have their own tours to negotiate throughout June. With so many players headed on …

After last week’s draw was made, New Zealand now know what shape their bid for a third consecutive Webb Ellis trophy will take. The All Blacks were drawn alongside South Africa in Pool B, and should they top the group, they will meet the second-placed team from Pool A in the quarter-finals, most likely one of Ireland, Scotland or Japan. …

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named his Ireland squad for the summer clashes with USA and Japan. Hampered by the absence of the 11 players on Lions duty, Schmidt has the opportunity to experiment, and give a chance to younger players to prove themselves on the international stage. It is clear from the squad he has selected today that …

Earlier today, the draw was made for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Pool C is arguably the most difficult of the lot, as England, France and Argentina are grouped together. They will be joined by a Pacific Island nation. However, as the draw was being made, there was the same question on everybody’s lips. Why is the draw being made …

Following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Ayumu Goromaru was one of the hottest properties in rugby union. The Japanese fullback had just guided his country to an historic campaign in which they recorded wins over South Africa, Samoa and USA. When it comes to snapping up hot properties, there is nobody better than French giants Toulon. The Top 14 outfit …