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.

Explaining Super Rugby expansion – Japan vs Singapore

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.

The real truth behind Japan's underachievement

If you were playing Japan rugby bingo, one of the first things that you would be able to scratch out is the inevitable lazy clichéd reference to the size of Japanese players as an explanation to their underachievement. Here is explained why it's not so simple and what the real reason is behind the Cherry Blossoms underachievement.

Roundup: Japan vs Asia Pacific Dragons

A roundup of the Asian 5 Nations warm up game between where Japan's second string fell to a defeat against Asia Pacific Dragons.

The key area Japan must improve in 2014

As the Japan group together this month for another year of international rugby, there is one particular area that let them down last year in several matches and was the root cause of a lot of crucial points conceded. Can Eddie Jones and his coaching team improve this area as dramatically as they improved the key scrum problem of 2012?

Michael Leitch replaces Toshiaki Hirose as Japan captain

Japan have announced New Zealand born flanker Michael Leitch as their new captain. He will takeover from 32 year old wing Toshiaki Hirose who has led the team since 2012.

Hirotoki Onozawa to stay involved with the Japan national team

The on field section of the international career of the most capped Japanese player of all time Hirotoki Onozawa appears to be coming to an end following injury problems. However coach Eddie Jones still wants him as part of the squad.

Japan name their summer squad as they prepare for 2014

Eddie Jones has named a 40 man squad for Japan's fixtures in Asian 5 Nations, Pacific Nations Cup and one off test with Italy over the months of May and June.

Male Sa’u joining the Melbourne Rebels

Centre Male Sa’u is the latest Japanese international to earn a contract in Super Rugby. He joins hooker Shota Horie at the Australian side the Melbourne Rebels.

JRFU and SRU to form partnership

Sankei Sports announced that the JRFU and the SRU are to form a partnership which will lead to a coaching and referee exchange, whilst JRFU Chairman Tatsuzo Yabe hopes for a regular possibly annual fixture between the two nations.

Japanese pass master Harumichi Tatekawa

One of the most gifted and impressive players to have emerged in international rugby since the World Cup has been 24 year old Japanese midfielder Harumichi Tatekawa. A player the purists would appreciate for his fine passing skill and who recently signed a Super Rugby contract to play in Australia with the Brumbies.