Japan

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....

England coach Eddie Jones believes Japan will be targetting Scotland in the upcoming edition of the World Cup with a hope to make it to the quarter-finals.

Top14 for Creevy, Read in Japan, Daly to Sarries and Jones on the fence

A famous hot spa resort is offering an online map showing "onsen" spots such as spa, beach, gym and hundreds of facilities opening the doors to visitors who have tattoos ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

England successfully overcame first half brilliance from Japan as they went on to win their autumn international encounter with a 35-15 at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

England coach Eddie Jones has made 11 changes for the autumn international clash against Japan at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

During the build up to England's third Autumn international, the main stream media have reported that a full strength England team will be selected with a view to powering Japan out of the game. After all a win is the most important outcome; or is it