Japan

Pete Horne has been picked to start for Scotland this weekend against France - and it is certain that everyone at Howe of Fife’s Duffus Park will be cheering him on from afar.

Japan will head into the World Cup brimming with confidence after they went on to win the Pacific Nations Cup following their 20-34 win over USA at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Having made his debut against Wales and faced Warren Gatland’s side during the disastrous 2015 World Cup campaign, George Ford is looking forward to facing England’s old rivals again on Sunday.

Neal Hatley has insisted England’s opening World Cup warm-up match against Wales will not have a major impact on squad selection.

John Mitchell admits Alex Dombrandt has been ‘quite outstanding’ during his time with the England squad as Eddie Jones’ side continue to prepare for the Rugby World Cup.

Japan Rugby Football Union vice president Katsuyuki Kiyomiya said a plan to unveil a new professional rugby league is on track for the autumn of 2021.

Japan kick-started their preparations for the World Cup with a 34-21 win over Fiji in their opening game of the Pacific Nations Cup in Kamaishi.

With the excitement continuing to build ahead of the Rugby World Cup, the competition will feature a ball like no other thanks to the innovative manufacturing technology used by Gilbert.

Fiji head coach John McKee has announced an experienced matchday squad for the upcoming clash against Japan to be played in Kamaishi on Saturday.

Scotland assistant coach Mike Blair has been heartened by the sight of key man Duncan Taylor being back in training with the national team squad over the summer.

Former Japan international Shotaro Onishi feels the Brave Blossoms’ historic result in 2015 has helped the continue growth of the sport in Japan ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup.

As the build-up to the Rugby World Cup continues, Shane Williams chatted to Talking Rugby Union about his hopes for Wales and why Japan, as a country, are ready to create history.

Australia and Melbourne Rebels duo Will Genia and Quade Cooper are set to move to after post the World Cup in Japan later this year.

Nearly 10 months after retiring from international rugby, Joe Marler has made the decision to step back onto the international stage.

As he continues the summer training sessions in Portugal’s Algarve region this week with Scotland’s extended World Cup training squad, you could forgive Jamie Bhatti for feeling like he has ‘made it’.

AWJ in the Prem, Genia to Japan, Scotland for Kwagga and Morgan moves on

In recent Rugby World Cups, there have been teams as well as players who have made a name for themselves in the competition and with less than 100 days to go until Japan, Angus Williams takes a look at who could shine this year.

Toyota Verblitz have confirmed that South Africa international Willie le Roux will join the Japanese club at the end of the World Cup scheduled later this year.

Crotty follows Read, Smith to Quins, Bath's incoming props, Rugby's top earners

The last World Cup in 2015 was one of the darkest times in England's recent history, but this September, they head to Japan with cautious optimism after an encouraging Autumn. Joe Harvey selects his starting XV for this year's tournament....