Joseph Names Extended Training Squad

TOKYO (Oct. 3) – Japan coach Jamie Joseph named a 36-man squad Monday as he prepares for his first game in charge of the national team.

The Brave Blossoms take on Argentina in Tokyo on Nov. 5 before playing three tests in Europe and the players will attend a mini-camp next week to allow Joseph and his staff to get to know them.

“We have 10 plus players unavailable for selection due to retirement or personal reasons so selection was based on giving new players who have been performing well in the (Japan Rugby) Top League an opportunity to play at international level,” Joseph said.

“Working with young players who have the right skill sets and attitude to compete at this level is a pleasure and I can’t wait to meet and coach these guys.”

The 36 include 15 players yet to represent their country at senior level, though a number of older hands – such as Hitoshi Ono, Kensuke Hatakeyama and Fumiaki Tanaka – are also included.

“With an amount of experience lost its important we balance the squad selection with some players who have yet to find their best form in Top League because we know they can perform at this level. Their experience will be crucial as all the games we play in November are a huge challenge, but this is how we will improve in the long term.”

The absence of Michael Leitch and Hendrik Tui has opened the door for Shuhei Matsuhashi and Malgene Ilaua, while Yamaha Jubilo’s good start to the Top League season has resulted in call-ups for Heiichiro Ito, Takeshi Hino, Yuhimaru Mimura and Koki Yamamoto.

In the backs, Hikaru Tamura and Jumpei Ogura have both been rewarded for their good early season form, while Olympians Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Lomano Lava Lemeki and Kenki Fukuoka, and back-up member Yoshikazu Fujita are also included.

“The mini camps are about introducing ourselves as management and briefing the players on our game plan,” Joseph said.

“The preparation time prior to the Argentinian test will be limited to 6 days so we have a lot of work to do leading up to the November tour. Secondly it will allow us time to discover and discuss who will lead the team from a player’s perspective.

“I will conduct a series of meetings and talks to establish the right relationships with the players so we can align ourselves quickly with leading the team. Alignment between the coaches and the players will be crucial if we want to perform to our potential.”

Following the game against the Pumas, the Brave Blossoms then travel to Europe where they will play Georgia in Tbilisi on Nov. 12, Wales in Cardiff on Nov. 19 and Fiji in Vannes, France on Nov. 26.

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