Japan could join the Rugby Championship following RWC success - report

Japan's strong showing at the Rugby World Cup could prompt a review of Sanzaar's decision to dump the Sunwolves from Super Rugby and lead to the Japanese national side being included in the Rugby Championship according to a report by Newshub.

In March this year, Super Rugby chiefs announced that the Sunwolves would be cut at the end of the 2020 competition after five seasons in Super Rugby.

The decision followed Japan Rugby Football Union and Sanzaar, which runs Super Rugby, failing to agree over financial matters as the JRFU refused to underwrite the Sunwolves' continued involvement in the competition, a condition of entry set by Sanzaar.

Newshub quoted sources saying changes in the JRFU board has seen some members added who are more amenable to negotiating terms with Sanzaar on the Sunwolves' existence beyond 2020. 

Sanzaar will hold a meeting on Friday in which it could be discussed, as well as Japan's potential addition to the Rugby Championship, Newshub reported.