Sakura Fifteen Qualify for Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand

World Rugby has today announced that the Japan Women’s National Rugby Team, the Sakura Fifteen have qualified for Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand following a revision to the RWC 2021 Asia qualification pathway. The revision was made in light of ongoing travel and quarantine challenges as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

As the highest ranked team in the region, Japan automatically qualify for the tournament, joining the USA, Canada and Italy in Pool B. Kazakhstan and Hong Kong will now compete in a play-off match to determine which team progresses to the Final Qualification Tournament.

Link to “Rugby World Cup 2021 Asia Qualification Pathway Update”

Rugby World Cup 2021 is set to take place in October and November 2022, following a one-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be the fifth RWC tournament the Sakura Fifteen have played in and their second in a row, following their appearance at RWC 2017 in Ireland.

Japan Rugby Football Union President, Shigetaka Mori said:

“I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all involved in Asia Rugby for their efforts to hold the Asian Qualifiers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that the decision has been made, I hope that the Sakura Fifteen will work hard and appreciate they are representing Asia at RWC 2021. The Japan Rugby Football Union will continue to strengthen the women’s national team so they can achieve their best result at the tournament. We ask for your warm support for the Sakura Fifteen as they take on the world in New Zealand.”

Sakura Fifteen’s Head Coach, Lesley McKenzie said:

“We’re honored to now be in a position to put together a more solid plan for RWC in New Zealand, and to play in Pool B as the representatives of Asia. At the same time, we regret not being able to challenge Kazakhstan and Hong Kong during qualification and we wish both countries the best of luck for the remaining qualification process.”

The Sakura Fifteen will take on Canada in their first match at RWC 2021 on October 9, 2022, followed by the USA on October 15. Their final pool match will be against Italy on October 23.

The tournament schedule can be found in the link below: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2021/matches