Brave Blossoms to Host France in Summer Test Match Series
The Japan Rugby Football Union is delighted to announce that the Brave Blossoms will play host to France this summer in Japan as part of the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2022. The series will see Japan play two test matches against Les Bleus across two action-packed weekends. The series will kick-off at Toyota Stadium in Aichi on Saturday, July 2, with the two sides facing each other the following weekend on Saturday, July 9 at a venue still to be announced.
The Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2022, proudly supported by Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. will see Japan take on France for the first time since 2017. Further information including confirmation of the venue for the second match, kick-off times, ticket information and television broadcast details will be announced as soon as they are determined.
Commenting on the announcement, Shigetaka Mori, President of Japan Rugby Football Union said:
“On behalf of the Japan Rugby Football Union and the entire Japanese rugby family, I would like to express our sincere delight that the French National Team – Les Bleus will tour Japan this summer. Les Bleus are playing remarkably well in the current Six Nations Championship and continue to develop a potent style of play combining power and speed with their traditional French flair. With France due to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023, they are emerging as strong contenders for their home tournament.
“As a result of the global pandemic, Japanese rugby fans have missed out on regular test match rugby being played in Japan. This series is therefore an important opportunity for us to reconnect with our fans, and I am certain that the rugby family in Japan will be looking forward to reliving the enthusiasm and excitement that they experienced during Rugby World Cup 2019. We are looking forward with great enthusiasm to hosting France, and count on the support of our fans for this historic series.”
Bernard Laporte, President of the Fédération Française de Rugby commented:
“Japan is now a major rugby nation. Their performance during the last World Cup showed the ability of this team to compete with the best. It is the first time that the XV de France is going to Japan for a Summer Tour. I would like to thank the Japan Rugby Football Union and President Shigetaka Mori for having us and I am delighted that our teams can meet on the pitch. With Rugby World Cup 2023 coming up, it is crucial to play against opponents of the greatest quality.”
Japan vs France Past Results:
October 27, 1973 (L) 18-30 Bordeaux
September 23, 1978 (L) 16-55 Tokyo
October 19, 1980 (L) 3-23 Toulouse
September 30, 1984 (L) 0-52 Osaka
October 7, 1984 (L) 12-40 Tokyo
October 19, 1985 (L) 0-50 Dax
October 26, 1985 (L) 0-52 Beaujoire
October 18, 2003 (L) 29-51 Townsville (RWC2003)
September 10, 2011 (L) 21-47 North Harbour (RWC2011)
November 26, 2017 (D) 23-23 Nanterre