Japan Rugby: Latest News, Fixtures and Highlights
If you love rugby and want to keep tabs on the rise of Japanese teams, you’ve landed in the right spot. Japan’s game has jumped from under‑dog to global contender, and the schedule is packed with must‑see action. Below you’ll find quick ways to follow the Sunwolves, the Brave Blossoms and the fast‑growing domestic league.
Upcoming Japan Fixtures
First up, the national side – the Brave Blossoms – will face Ireland on the 8th of November in a home test that promises fireworks. Just a week later they travel to New Zealand for a clash against the All Blacks, a chance to see how the Japanese speed and precision match up against raw power. If you’re after club rugby, the Top League kicks off in early December with Toyota Verblitz and Suntory Sungoliath leading the pack. Those games are streamed live on ITV’s rugby channel, and you can catch a replay within 24 hours if the evening’s too busy.
Mark your calendar for the Pacific Nations Cup in March; Japan will take on Fiji and Samoa, giving fans a taste of Pacific flair combined with Japanese technique. Each match is listed on our schedule page, and we update kick‑off times as soon as they’re confirmed. No need to hunt for the info elsewhere – it’s all right here.
Key Players to Watch
When it comes to players, a few names keep popping up. Grant Liley, the dynamic scrum‑half, makes quick passes that cut defenses wide open. His speed off the base is something you’ll notice on every replay. Then there’s Centre Kenki Fukuoka, a powerful runner who breaks tackles and creates space for the backs. On the forward side, prop Taku Kato brings a mix of strength and agility that’s rare for his position – he’s often the first to the breakdown and the last to leave the ruck.
Young talent is also booming. Fly‑half Yoshiki Matsui is only 22 but already has the composure to dictate game flow, finding gaps with precision kicks. Keep an eye on him during the Top League; his performances often dictate whether his team wins or loses.
For fans who want deeper analysis, we break down each player’s stats after every game. You’ll see tackle counts, meters gained and pass success rates, all presented in plain English so you don’t need a rugby encyclopedia to understand.
Want to watch the action live? ITV Rugby Central streams every Japan match on our main channel and on the ITV app. Put on the subtitles if you’re new to the language, and you won’t miss any of the on‑field drama. We also feature post‑match debates with former pros, so you can hear expert opinions right after the final whistle.
So whether you’re a long‑time supporter or just curious about why Japan’s rugby is making headlines, this page gives you the dates, the players, and the ways to watch. Grab a snack, set your reminder, and enjoy the fast‑paced thrill of Japanese rugby – it’s only getting better from here.
