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.

Team News: Russia vs Uruguay RWC Qualifying Playoff September 27

Team news for the Rugby World Cup qualifying playoff match between Russia and Uruguay for the final place up for at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in the pool of death.

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.

September playoff fixtures confirmed

With the Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures announced, confirmation of the September playoffs involving teams from Eastern Europe were confirmed.

How World Cup failure unfairly cost John Kirwan credit for Japanese progress

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.

New American back row talent Danny Barrett

USA back rower Danny Barrett showed a just an early glimpse of his raw talent in his first international tests last June.

The remarkable improvement of the Japan scrum

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.

Pacific Islanders state their positions on eligibility loophole

The Pacific Island trio of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have now all talked about their positions and views on the new Olympic 7's eligibility loophole to the media in recent days.

IRB announce Tier 2 November fixtures for 2014

The IRB have announced a complete list of fixtures involving the top 18 ranked sides in the world for the November Test window later this year. Some details are still yet confirmed.

Debate: What's the best approach to Japan's RWC dilemma?

Japan will be hoping to cause an upset at the next World Cup, but the scheduling of their opening 2 matches leaves them a bit of a dilemma of how best to approach the tournament.

Samoa confirmed to host the All Blacks on 8 July 2015

The Samoan Prime Minister has now confirmed the date of Wednesday July 8 that the All Blacks will travel to Samoa for a historic test match.

Japan's November schedule now set

Japan now have a November schedule set with 2 home games against the Maori All Blacks followed by a trip to Europe to face Romania and Georgia again.

Pacific Nations Cup final now highly unlikely

The PNC trophy looks like it will have no holder this year with the proposed final unlikely to be scheduled.