Brave Blossoms to Play Uruguay in France on Autumn Tour
The Japan Rugby Football Union has today announced that the Brave Blossoms will play Uruguay in Chambéry, France on November 16 as part of the Lipovitan D Tour 2024. Kicking off at 14:30 local time (22:30 JST) at Chambéry Savoy Stadium, the match is the first of two fixtures making up an international double-header, with Tonga vs USA following at 17:30 local time.
Located an hour-and-half drive east of Lyon, at the base of the French Alps, the fixture in Chambéry adds yet another test match to an already packed international calendar for the Japan Men’s National Team.
The match will be the sixth meeting between the two nations, with Japan currently holding the bragging rights with four victories from five matches. Uruguay defeated Japan in their first ever encounter back in 2005 at home in Montevideo. Since then, Japan has exerted a dominance over their South American rivals which Uruguay will no doubt be looking to redress at the neutral French venue.
The Uruguayan team holds a special place in the hearts of many Japanese rugby fans following their courageous 30-27 victory over Fiji at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Kamaishi, during their Pool D clash at Rugby World Cup 2019. Fiji were odds on favourites to win the match, but the never-say-die attitude of the Uruguayans held fast, allowing them to stop a late Fijian fightback and going on to record an historical RWC victory.
Commenting on the announcement, Brave Blossoms Head Coach, Eddie Jones said:
“Uruguay is a fast-developing rugby nation – they play a good style of game which is similar to Argentina. To experience playing against them in Europe will be great for the ongoing development of this young Japan Team.”
In addition to the Uruguay match, Lipovitan D Tour 2024 will see Japan play France in Paris on November 9 and England at Twickenham on Sunday, November 24. Prior to their departure to Europe, Japan will host the All Blacks at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama o Saturday, October 26.
Further details on the Uruguay match, including ticketing and broadcast information will be announced in due course.
Japan vs Uruguay Past Results
25 June 2022 (W) 43-7 Fukuoka
18 June 2022 (W) 34-15 Tokyo
29 August 2015 (W) 40-0 Tokyo
22 August 2015 (W) 30-8 Fukuoka
16 April 2005 (L) 24-18 Montevideo
