Gates, Van den Heever called up to Japan squad
Utility backs Gerhard van den Heever and Shane Gates have been included in the Brave Blossoms’ extended training squad for the 2021 Test season.
Young Aussies choose Brave Blossoms over Wallabies
At least three Australian-born players have pledged allegiance to Japan in the hope of qualifying to play international rugby for the Brave Blossoms.
Meyer: Boks’ Brighton loss will always haunt me
Former coach Heyneke Meyer says he will never process the disappointment of the Springboks’ shock defeat to Japan at the 2015 World Cup.
On the lighter side: Mapimpi and the Ferrari
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi tells the story of his encounter with South African-born Japan wing Kotaro Matsushima during last year’s World Cup quarter-final.
Watch: Pre-match team talk – Boks vs Japan
Go inside the Springboks’ change room ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against Japan, as Rassie Erasmus takes his team through their final match preparation in this uncut clip from ‘Chasing the Sun’.
B&I Lions to host Japan before SA tour
The British & Irish Lions will host Japan at Scotland’s Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday, 26 June 2021 in a historic Test ahead of their tour to South Africa.
Rewind: Springboks vs Japan (RWC 2019)
On this day one year ago, the Springboks booked a World Cup semi-final face-off with Wales after defeating Japan 26-3 in their quarter-final clash.
Watch: How Japan beat the Boks in 2015
Check out part two of this fascinating video analysis from Squidge Rugby, highlighting the work done by Eddie Jones that led to Japan’s dismantling of the Springboks in the ‘Brighton Miracle’.
Japan pull out of Eight Nations competition
The Japan Rugby Football Union has withdrawn its national side from the forthcoming eight-team Test tournament involving the European Six Nations teams and Fiji later this year.
Creative thinking required for Japan-based Boks
Jacques Nienaber has suggested Japanese-based Bok players could train with local franchises to help stay fit ahead of the Rugby Championship.
