Japan

Japan flanker Ben Gunter feels the Brave Blossoms can be competitive if they are given a chance to compete in the Rugby Championship tournament following their spirited performance against Australia in Oita on Saturday.

Australia kick-started the end of the year tour with a victory as they defeated Japan 32-23 in Oita on Saturday.

Australian-born trio Jack Cornelsen, Ben Gunter and Dylan Riley are in line to make their debut for Japan as they set to take on the Wallabies in Oita on Saturday.

Australia head coach Dave Rennie has recalled Hunter Paisami in the line up for the upcoming encounter against Japan to be played in Oita on Saturday.

Australia will be locking horns with Japan next month for the first time since 2017 before they kick start their UK tour.

The Brave Blossoms will be facing Portugal for the first time in a Test match as confirmed by the Japan Rugby Football Union.

South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit will be heading to Japan next season after signing a contract with Toyota Verblitz.

Wales international Jake Ball becomes the latest player to head to Japan after signed by NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.

Scotland will have an extended autumn international schedule later this year with Tonga added to the fixtures.

Marika Koroibete will become the latest Australian player to head to Japan after signing a contract with Saitama Wild Knights.

Irish Rugby has announced the fixtures for Ireland's autumn international series to be played later this year.

Ireland managed to overcome resistance from Japan as they kick-started their summer series with a 39-31 win at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland have received a much-needed boost ahead of their summer series opener against Japan on Saturday with James Ryan declared fit after overcoming his injury.

Warren Gatland has named Ireland international Conor Murray as the captain of the side for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Having been in Edinburgh for the British and Irish Lions’ pre-tour match against Japan at Murrayfield, Joe Harvey has offered his thoughts on how the Lions are faring so far and the loss of Alun Wyn Jones.

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has confirmed the matchday squad for the upcoming game against the British and Irish Lions.

Scotland international Zander Fagerson has been ruled out of the upcoming British and Irish Lions' clash against Japan following a back spasm.

Warren Gatland has made a late change to the starting line up against Japan with Wales flanker Justin Tipuric added to the starting XV.

After the announcement of his first British and Irish Lions squad for the summer, Warren Gatland discussed his group of players and the challenges that lie ahead.

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be leading the British and Irish Lions for their match against Japan to be played at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.