Team News: International friendlies November 1/2

Team news ahead of the internationals that are taking place the week before the November international window starts, involving big games for Japan and USA, and a trial game for Canada.

Eddie Jones talks about Japan's much improved scrum

Recently Japan coach Eddie Jones was asked during a talk at the Japan National Press Club about the remarkable improvements of his side’s scrum under the guidance of former French hooker Marc dal Maso, claiming it’s now approaching the level of the most elite scrummaging units in the world rugby.

Squad news for the November international window

A quick roundup looking at the squad news ahead of the upcoming November window of international friendlies.

JRFU Super Rugby project comes with considerable cost and risk

Whilst the JRFU have managed to secure a spot in an expanded Super Rugby format, there is a considerable amount of both cost and risk attached to the project.

The false sense of importance behind the IRB rankings

It’s become increasingly common to attach a ridiculous amount of importance to the IRB rankings. With some using them falsely to back up points, or arguing they should dictate the goals of the management.

Tongan complaints at odds with IRB Olympic loophole clarification

The alteration to the much reported Olympic loophole was met with anger from by Tongan officials who were hoping to benefit. However their complaints don’t appear to fully add up with the IRB’s actual clarification.

USA get PRL player release agreement for All Blacks test

There is now confirmation of USA Rugby's agreement with PRL for out of window release of players for the All Blacks test in Chicago, however it looks like it will come with a catch of not having players for the other 3 November games.

Players from 'Tier 2' nations playing in Europe (2014/2015)

For the 2014/15 season there are around 350 players from 29 nations outside the Tier 1 clique playing in the European professional leagues the Premiership, Championship, Top 14, Pro D2 and Pro12. Here is a look at them country by country.