Opinion
International
Japan 
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Japan
The Japan national rugby union hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2019. They compete in the Nations Championship and the Pacific Nations Cup.
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World Ranking
Japan are currently 10th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 7th in October 2019.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
Japan Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
Sat 8 Aug, 2026
Sat 15 Aug, 2026
Japan Rugby Team Players
Japan Forwards
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Position
Japan Backs
Name
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Japan Tournaments
Japan National Rugby Union Team
Japan National Rugby Union Team
Known by their fans as the Cherry Blossoms (and occasionally the Brave Blossoms), the team competes in the Pacific Nations Cup and the Nations Championship. In addition, the side also represents Japan in the Rugby World Cup and they've featured in every edition of the tournament, claiming some big scalps in the process.
Although rugby was first played in Japan in 1866, the Japan national rugby union team did not play their first international game until 1932. Ever since, the Japan rugby team have slowly progressed and have begun to become a force on the world stage. For example, they beat the Junior All Blacks in 1968 and were only narrowly beaten 6-3 by England in 1971.
Over the years since, the Japan rugby team have become a respected international side who are capable of beating the top sides. They beat a Scotland XV in 1989 and comprehensively beat Wales 23-8 in 2013.
In 2011, they also won the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time. Then, in 2014, they entered the world's top 10 after they won 10 tests in a row. However, the Japan national rugby union team's greatest achievement arguably came in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. During the tournament, they produced a shock for the ages when they defeated South Africa in one of the competition's finest ever matches. Following this, Japan hosted the 2019 edition of the tournament and they reached the quarter-final stage for the first time in their history.
Although the Japan rugby team haven't been as successful as some of the powerhouses of rugby, several international stars have played for Japan, including Toshiyuki Hayashi, Yoshihito Yoshida and Ayumu Goromaru.
The current Japan rugby squad remains strong and the team are currently looking to build on the successes of the past decade with the help of Naoto Saitō, Dylan Riley and captain Michael Leitch.
FAQs
Who is the current Japan head coach?
Eddie Jones is the current head coach of Japan. He’s held the position since 2023.
Who is the captain of Japan?
The current captain of Japan is Michael Leitch.
When was Japan's national rugby side founded?
The Japan national rugby team was officially founded in 1932, when the team played in its first international match against Canada. However, the history of rugby in Japan dates all the way back to 1866, when the sport was played in treaty ports.
What is Japan’s biggest defeat in rugby union?
Japan’s biggest defeat in rugby union came in 1995, when the team was beaten 145-17 by New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup.
Who has scored the most points for Japan?
Japan’s record point-scorer is Ayumu Goromaru. He scored 708 points for the team between 2005 and 2015.
Which player has the most caps for Japan?
Hitoshi Ono has the most caps for Japan. He represented his country 98 times between 2004 and 2016.
What is Japan’s best finish at the Rugby World Cup?
Japan’s best finish at the Rugby World Cup is losing quarter finalists. They achieved this at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which they also hosted.
Who is Japan’s all-time leading try scorer?
Japan’s all-time leading try-scorer is wing Daisuke Ohata. He scored 69 tries for his country between 1996 and 2006.
Where do Japan play their home rugby matches?
Japan traditionally play their home matches at either the Japan National Stadium or Chichibunomiya Stadium.
What colours do Japan play in?
Japan traditionally plays in red and white hooped shirts with a Sakura embroidered on the chest. This jersey is usually paired with white shorts and white socks with red splashes.
Meanwhile, the team’s away jersey is usually navy blue and is normally paired with white or navy shorts and navy socks.
Who are the most famous players to represent Japan in rugby?
Current captain Michael Leitch is arguably the most famous and influential figure to ever play for Japan. Other legends of Japanese rugby include Kenki Fukuoka, Kotaro Matsushima, Hitoshi Ono and Ayumu Goromaru.
