Uruguay to Face Brave Blossoms in Summer Test Match Series
The Japan Rugby Football Union is happy to announce that the Brave Blossoms will host Uruguay for two test matches as part of the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2022. Tokyo’s historic Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium will host the opening match on Saturday, June 18, with the two sides facing each other the following weekend at Kitakyushu’s Mikuni World Stadium, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, on Saturday, June 25.
Following today’s announcement, the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2022, proudly supported by Taisho Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd, now sees Japan take on both Uruguay and France, back-to-back, over four action packed weekends. Further details on all four matches, including kick-off times, ticketing and TV broadcast details will be announced as soon as they are determined.
Commenting on the announcement, Shigetaka Mori, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union said:
“We are delighted to welcome Uruguay back to Japan for this historic test match series. The Uruguayan team are always a force in the Americas Rugby Championship and have qualified for their fifth Rugby World Cup next year in France. There is great respect for Uruguay among Japanese rugby fans following their heroic 30-27 victory over Fiji in Kamaishi during Rugby World Cup 2019. Played at one of Japan’s most iconic rugby venues, this dramatic and exciting match made a huge impression on our fans and is remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament.
“With Japan now set to host four test matches this summer against Uruguay and France, I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in making this possible and I count on the support of our fans for this truly historic series.”
Santiago Slinger, President of the Uruguay Rugby Union said:
“For Uruguay, having the opportunity to play two games against a team of the stature of Japan is very important in preparation for the next World Cup. The Brave Blossoms are one of the elite teams that has grown the most in recent years and are undoubtedly an example to follow. Visiting Japan again after what was our unforgettable experience at the 2019 World Cup is something very gratifying, since it is a country that received us in a spectacular way. We are very happy to return and to play these important matches”.
Japan vs Uruguay Past Results
August 29, 2015: (W) 40-0 Tokyo
August 22, 2015: (W) 30-8 Fukuoka
April 16, 2005: (L) 18-24 Montevideo