Brave Blossoms Set for Twickenham Return in 2024

The Japan Rugby Football Union is delighted to announce that the Brave Blossoms will play England for a second time this year when they visit Twickenham this Autumn. The match will take place on the weekend of 23 November, with the exact date and kick off time still to be confirmed. It is the fifth test match to be announced for Japan’s 2024 season, in which the Brave Blossoms will also host England in their first test of the year, in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2024, at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Saturday, 22 June.

This year’s fixtures will mark the 12th and 13th meeting respectively between the two nations, with Japan yet to taste victory against an English side currently ranked fifth in the world. The Brave Blossoms came close during two of their four, ‘non-test match’ meetings during England’s 1971 and 1979 tours of Japan, coming within three points in Tokyo back in 1971 and two points in Osaka in 1979.

With each side having the chance to host the other in front of their home fans, at their home grounds, the matches will provide a stern test for both teams at the start of their respective, four-year building cycle ahead of the next World Cup.

Commenting on the announcement, Brave Blossoms Head Coach, Eddie Jones JRFU said:
“With England coming to Japan in June and now this return match announced for Twickenham in the Autumn, we have a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best sides in the world. Twickenham is truly one of the world’s great rugby stadiums, with an incredible atmosphere and a superb pitch. Like the match in Tokyo, the atmosphere will be electric, and it will be an experience the players will never forget.”

Further details, including the date of the match, kick off times, ticketing and broadcast information will be announced in due course.

Japan vs England Past Results:
September 17, 2023 (L) 34-12 Nice (RWC 2023)
November 12, 2022 (L) 13-52 London
November 18, 2018 (L) 15-35 London
July 6, 2003 (L) 20-55 Tokyo
July 3, 2003 (L) 10-37 Tokyo
May 30, 1987 (L) 7-60 Sydney (RWC 1987)
October 11, 1986 (L) 12-39 London
May 20, 1979 (L) 18-38 Tokyo
May 13, 1979 (L) 19-21 Osaka
September 28, 1971 (L) 3-6 Tokyo
September 24, 1971 (L) 19-27 Osaka