Japan to play World XV in October

TOKYO (June 7) – Japan added another high profile opponent to their fixture list for 2017 with a World XV set to take on the Brave Blossoms on Oct. 28 at Fukuoka’s Level 5 Stadium.

The game comes a week before Jamie Joseph’s side plays Australia in Yokohama, and is the sixth game confirmed for the June and November test windows.

“I’m really excited about the World XV game,” Joseph said. “It’s obviously a big match. We play it one week before we play the Wallabies and as we know from the past the World XV always brings a strong contingent of international rugby players, so I can’t wait.”

Joseph and his side are currently in camp in Fukuoka ahead of Saturday’s test against Romania. They then take on Ireland in a two-test series in Shizuoka and Tokyo, and have also confirmed a match with France on Nov. 25.

The World XV side will be lead by Panasonic Wild Knights head coach Robbie Deans, who also took charge of the invitation side the last time they played Japan, back in 2015 in Tokyo.

“It is great to have the World XV fixture vs Japan confirmed in the calendar,” Deans said. “A similar match played in 2015 between these two sides played a significant part in preparing the national team for the World Cup, in particular the first outing against South Africa.”

Deans and his side, which was led by Springbok legend Bakkies Botha, won the 2015 game 45-20, and the former Crusaders and Australia coach hopes this year’s fixture will be just as entertaining.

“I have no doubt that this game will provide a similar spectacle where world class players will have the opportunity to test the Japan team without the inhibiting element of it being a test match. It will make for compelling viewing as Jamie Joseph continues to develop his combinations towards 2019.”