Japan National High School Side Falls Short Against Harlequins U19

The Japan National High School Team came agonisingly close to winning the first fixture of their two-match tour to England, going down 38-36 against Harlequins U19 on Wednesday, March 17 at London’s Twickenham Stoop.

Japan started the match strongly with the speed and adventurism of their mobile and well-drilled backs finding space and taking advantage of some early gaps in the Harlequins’ defence. The Londoners, with a noticeable size advantage across the park, struggled to contain the fleet-footed visitors whose fast start saw them race out to a 14-31 halftime lead.

In the second half, the locals began to find their rhythm, settling into their game and stifling the Japanese attack. For the visitors, the effects of their long trip from Tokyo started to show as their speed and energy dropped away in both attack and defence. The size of the Harlequins pack also started to make an impact, while a more adventurous approach from their backline began to pay dividends.

Early in the second stanza, the Londoners scored a converted try to which Japan responded some five minutes later with a five-pointer of their own, bringing the score to 21-36. It was to be Japan’s last score of the match. Missing the subsequent conversion, the visitors let two crucial points get away, a miss that was to prove costly at full time.

For the rest of the half, Harlequins peppered the tiring Japanese defence, scoring the next two tries to bring the score to 35-36. In the last play of the match, with Japan in possession, they looked to tie up the ball as they ran down the clock. As the final siren sounded, Japan gave away a penalty after being adjudged by the referee to have illegally sealed off the ruck.  

With the penalty awarded in kickable range, the resulting kick sailed straight and true between the uprights, to give the hosts a two-point, come-from-behind win. While no doubt devastated by letting such a big lead slip through their fingers, the young men from Japan warmly congratulated their hosts in the true spirit of No-Side. Both teams played a highly entertaining and skilful match and despite their loss, the visitors left the field with their heads held high.

Commenting after the match, Japan Captain Loketi Bruceneol said:

“We couldn’t get the result we wanted in today’s game however we were able to identify the things we need to change if we are to beat England in our next match. In the first half we had strength and speed, so it was a good contest. However, in the second half, our physicality dropped off and we couldn’t move as we wanted. We will now train hard to prepare for the England match. We’re confident that if we can maintain our stamina and when our team comes together, we can bring the challenge to the English.”

All eyes now turn to Iffley Road in Oxford for the second and final match of the tour when Japan take on England U19 on Saturday, 21 March. Having fallen to their opponents 52-47 during their last meeting in Cambridge, in March last year, Japan will be looking to square the ledger this time around. Their match against Harlequins will give them a lot of confidence and the team will go into Saturday’s fixture full of belief.

2026 Japan National High School Team England Tour Matches

Opponent	Schedule	Location	Result
Harlequins U19	Tuesday, 17 March	Twickenham Stoop, London	38-36 (L)
England U19	Saturday, 21 March	Oxford University Rugby Club	–