All Eyes on Australia as RWC2027 Hits One-Year-to-Go Milestone
With just one year to go until Rugby World Cup 2027 kicks off in Australia, excitement is building in Japan as the Brave Blossoms prepare to take on the world’s best on rugby’s biggest stage.
The tournament promises to be a spectacular celebration of rugby, with Australia preparing to welcome teams and supporters from around the world for the first Rugby World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere since New Zealand hosted the tournament in 2011, and the first on Australian soil since 2003.
For Japan, the return of the tournament to the Asia-Pacific region presents an exciting opportunity. With Australia being close to home, the Brave Blossoms can look forward to strong support from Japanese fans travelling to the tournament, alongside Japan’s established rugby community in Australia.
With a proud rugby heritage, world-class sporting venues and passionate supporters, Australia is well placed to deliver an unforgettable Rugby World Cup. The tournament will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the close relationship between Japan and Australia, both on and off the field.
For Head Coach Eddie Jones and his Brave Blossoms, the countdown marks the beginning of a crucial final 12 months of preparation. Having steadily rebuilt the squad since 2024, Jones is encouraged by the progress of his young team and the growing competition for places as Japan prepares for its next World Cup campaign.
Speaking at a press conference marking the one-year countdown, Jones reflected on Japan’s recent performances, including victories over Italy and Fiji, and the development of greater depth across the squad.
“If you look at the results, we’ve beaten two teams ranked ahead of us in Italy and Fiji, which is a good achievement and this summer has really tested our depth. We’ve had a number of key players out injured, so we’ve produced some really good depth in the squad and competition for places, which is positive.”
Having started the current campaign with a young squad in 2024, Jones believes the team is beginning to demonstrate greater consistency, with the players increasingly focused on the challenge that lies ahead.
“The next 12 months will go so quickly, and so every day we have now becomes precious, and every day we have to make sure we’re putting the campaign in a better position.”
Jones also spoke of the growing sense of anticipation within the squad as the tournament draws closer.
“But there is also a tinge of excitement about it, because you can feel it coming. You see a difference in the players. I’ve noticed it in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup. They’re much more focused, they know where they want to go and they can see the goal in front of them.”
Japan’s Road to Rugby World Cup 2027
The Brave Blossoms will begin their World Cup campaign against Samoa in Newcastle on Sunday, October 3, before travelling north to Brisbane to take on France on Saturday, October 9. They will then head to Adelaide for their final Pool E match against the USA on Friday, October 15.
The three fixtures will see Japan play across three of Australia’s seven host cities, with the team looking to progress beyond the pool stage and make its mark on the tournament.
For Jones, the focus over the coming year will be on continuing to develop the squad, strengthening competition for places and ensuring his players are prepared to perform at their best when the tournament begins.
The Japan Talent Squad programme, which Jones introduced to identify and develop promising players from Japan’s university rugby system, remains an important part of those preparations. With several emerging players already making their mark at international level, Jones believes there is considerable talent available to strengthen the national team.
“The JTS shows is that there is clearly enough talent in Japan, but the talent needs an opportunity to develop.”
He highlighted the progress of young players such as Ryunosuke Ito and Sojiro Otsuka, while acknowledging the need to accelerate the development of emerging talent and continue building depth across the squad.
Beyond individual players and performances, Jones has a clear vision for how he wants the Brave Blossoms to play in Australia.
“We want to be the team of the tournament, who everyone wants to watch. We want to play with an excitement and passion, that not only inspires rugby fans, but also the entire nation of Japan.”
That ambition is built around Japan’s distinctive chosoku rugby philosophy, with the Brave Blossoms looking to play a fast, exciting and adaptable game capable of challenging the world’s leading teams.
An Exciting Year Ahead
With the countdown now officially underway, the next 12 months promise to be an exciting period for Japanese rugby as the Brave Blossoms continue their preparations for Australia 2027.
For Japanese fans, the tournament offers the prospect of another memorable World Cup, with Australia’s proximity providing a wonderful opportunity to travel, experience the atmosphere and support the Brave Blossoms in person.
As Australia prepares to welcome the rugby world, Japan will be looking to build on the progress of its young squad, embrace the challenge of its pool matches and carry the hopes of the nation into rugby’s greatest tournament.
The countdown to Australia 2027 has well and truly begun.
