EDINBURGH (Nov. 7) – Japan stand-in head coach Scott Wisemantel named his side Thursday for Saturday’s test with Scotland at Murrayfield.

TOKYO (Nov. 2) – Japan were beaten 54-6 by New Zealand at a sold-out Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday. But they showed that they are closing the gap on the top tier nations with a battling performance, that was only marred by a few handling errors and turnovers.

TOKYO (Nov. 2) – Japan head coach Eddie Jones and his stand-in Scott Wisemantel were both impressed with Japan’s opening 20 minutes against the All Blacks on Saturday. But both said the team needed to play at that level for much longer if it is to break into the world’s top 10.

TOKYO (Nov. 1) – Japan head into Saturday’s test with New Zealand full of belief that they can pull off the biggest win in the history of Japanese rugby, and perhaps the biggest upset in the history of the sport.

TOKYO (Oct. 31) – Japan interim coach Scott Wisemantel named a full-strength side for Saturday’s test against the All Blacks saying, “When you play the best in the world you pick your best team.”

TOKYO (Oct. 28) – Japan interim head coach Scott Wisemantel said Monday he was hoping his side could put aside Eddie Jones’ illness and put on a performance against the All Blacks that will “make the world stand up and take notice.”

TOKYO (Oct. 27) – The first stage of the Japan Rugby Top League season reach its conclusion Sunday with Toshiba Brave Lupus and Kobe Kobelco Steelers assuring themselves of top-four finishes to fill out the last two spots up for grabs in the top group of the second stage.

TOKYO (Oct. 26) – Toyota Verblitz and Canon Eagles booked their spots in the top group of the second stage of the Japan Rugby Top League on Saturday, the penultimate day of the first stage.

YOKOHAMA (Oct. 20) – Suntory Sungoliath and NEC Green Rockets both booked their places in the top group for the second half of the Japan Rugby Top League season following wins on Sunday.

TOKYO (Oct.19) – Yamaha Jubilo and Panasonic Wild Knights made sure they will be in the top pool of the second stage of the Japan Rugby Top League season when they beat Kintetsu Liners and Toshiba Brave Lupus, respectively, on Saturday.