Japan XV to Host Australia A in Three Match Series
The Japan Rugby Football Union is delighted to announce that Australia A will tour Japan to play three matches against the Japan XV in October this year. With Rugby World Cup 2023 fast approaching, this non-test match series, contested between the second national teams of both countries, will give Japan a chance to build greater depth across the national squad by giving emerging and fringe players the chance to experience high-level international rugby.
The series kicks off on Saturday, October 1 at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo, with the two sides meeting again the following Saturday, October 8, at Best Denki Stadium in Fukuoka. The series will conclude with the third and final match on Friday, October 14, at Yodoko Sakura Stadium in Osaka. Further match details, including kick off times, will be announced in due course.
National Team Director, Yuichiro Fuji commented:
“Now that we no longer participate in Super Rugby, these three matches against Australia A will be incredibly valuable in giving our younger players the experience of playing against top quality opposition, in conditions closely replicating the intensity of test match rugby. We can assess how they perform and handle the pressure and see which players might challenge for eventual selection for the Brave Blossoms. The series is also a great opportunity for our experienced test match players returning from injury as they work their way back into national team contention.
“With our test team set to play this year against New Zealand, England and France, and the Japan XV playing three matches against Australia A, we now have a really solid match calendar for the remainder of 2022 as we progress into our final preparations for France next year.”
The three-match series will be the first time since 2008 for the Japan XV to play Australia A. The two sides have met on four previous occasions, with Japan yet to taste victory against the Australians.
Japan XV vs Australia A Past Results:
June 5, 2003 (L) 5-63 Osaka
June 8, 2003 (L) 15-66 Tokyo
June 9, 2007 (L) 10-71 Townsville June 8, 2008 (L) 21-42 Fukuoka