Since SANZAR's confirmation of Super Rugby expansion from 15 to 18 teams from 2016, alongside the addition of the Southern Kings and an Argentine franchise the other spot is being tightly contested by two options from Asia in Japan and Singapore.
With the Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures announced, confirmation of the September playoffs involving teams from Eastern Europe were confirmed.
After a recent winning run and a top 10 world ranking has finally made the rugby media more aware of Japan's improvements, the former coach John Kirwan has been totally forgotten from the narrative.
USA back rower Danny Barrett showed a just an early glimpse of his raw talent in his first international tests last June.
The importance of the incredible improvements of the Japanese scrum under coach Marc dal Maso simply cannot be overstated and are making a huge difference for the side.
