Leitch returns as Japan ahead of Wallabies clash
1 month ago by Ultimate RugbyJapan coach Eddie Jones has made six changes to his starting side for the Test against Australia, including bringing Michael Leitch and Ben Gunter into the back row for the clash with his former team. Totemic...
Pacific Nations Cup 2025: Semi-finals preview
2 months ago by Ultimate RugbyDICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado, hosts three matches this weekend, as the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Finals Series gets under way. Samoa and USA kick off what is set...
Seven-try Japan silence spirited USA’s California dreams
2 months ago by Ultimate RugbyAmato Fakatava and captain Warner Dearns both scored twice as Japan eased to a seven-try 21-47 win over USA, to book their semi-final place in Denver, Colorado, next weekend, and leave the Eagles facing...
All-action hosts Japan join Fiji in PNC final
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyJapan claimed the remaining open Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 final slot in emphatic style after beating Samoa in an exhibition of running, attacking rugby. The host side scored six tries...
Pacific Nations Cup | Japan
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyNumber of tournaments: 12Best finish: Champions (2011, 2014, 2019)Most points in a match: 41 (41-7 v Tonga in 2019)Biggest win: 34 (as above)Did You Know? Japan will this year host the inaugural Finals...
Match Preview: Japan v Samoa
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThere’s a lot at stake when Japan face Samoa at Stadium de Toulouse on Thursday. Two sides’ quarter-final hopes are on the line in a ferociously tight Pool D, in which a single point separates...
Riley starts at centre - Japan name team to play Samoa
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyJapan head coach Jamie Joseph has announced his match-day 23 for his team's Pool D match against Samoa on Thursday, 28 September. Dylan Riley starts at outside-centre in place of Tomoki Osada and Lomano...
Rugby World Cup 2023 Match Preview: England v Japan
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyVeteran Michael Leitch will become Japan’s most capped Rugby World Cup player when he runs onto the pitch at Stade de Nice for his 15th tournament match on Sunday. He is one of 13 survivors...
Michael Leitch sets Brave Blossoms record
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyJapan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his match-day squad to face England in Pool D at Stade de Nice on Sunday, 17 September, with back-row Michael Leitch on course to make his 15th Rugby World Cup appearance. 1...
Japan v Chile: Match Preview
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyChile, the lowest-ranked side to qualify the 2023 tournament, make their Rugby World Cup debut against a Japan side that sit eight places above them in World Rugby's rankings. The South Americans have...
