CALAMBA, Philippines (May 3) – Japan captain Michael Leitch said it was the improved performance of the Philippines that prevented Japan from surpassing the score Hong Kong put on the Volcanoes in this year’s Asian 5 Nations.

CALAMBA, Philippines (May 3) – Japan began their campaign to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2015 with a 99-10 win over the Philippines on Saturday.

CALAMBA, Philippines (May 2) – Japan held a shortened training session Friday on the eve of their Asian 5 Nations opener against the Philippines.

MANILA (May 1) – Japan head coach Eddie Jones has made nine changes and one positional switch from the side that lost to Asia Pacific Dragons last weekend, as the Brave Blossoms begin their Asian 5 Nations and Rugby World Cup 2015 campaign Saturday against the Philippines.

OSAKA (April 26) – Japan coach Eddie Jones remained upbeat despite his side going down 35-29 to Asia Pacific Dragons on Saturday, saying it had been the ideal preparation ahead of the Asian 5 Nations, which this year doubles up as Asia’s qualifying tournament for Rugby World Cup 2015.

OSAKA (April 26) – A Japan XV went down 35-29 to Asia Pacific Dragons on Saturday at Hanzono Stadium in a game designed to help coach Eddie Jones prepare his side for the upcoming Asian 5 Nations, which this year doubles up as Asia’s qualifying tournament for Rugby World Cup 2015.

OSAKA (April 25) – Japan coach Eddie Jones said Friday he was looking forward to seeing his young team take on Asia Pacific Dragons on Saturday.

OSAKA (April 24) Michael Leitch will lead a Japan XV against the Asia Pacific Dragons on Saturday as Eddie Jones’ team warm up for the Asian 5 Nations.

TOKYO (March 12) – Japan Rugby Top League Rookies of the Year Keita Inagaki and Kyosuke Horie were among the seven uncapped players named Wednesday in a 40-man squad for the Asian 5 Nations.

TOKYO (Feb 06) – Japan will play seven test matches in the spring, general manager Kensuke Iwabuchi announced Thursday.