Head coach Jamie Joseph revealed a 36-man squad on Wednesday for the upcoming Test matches, as Japan aims to strengthen their bond and prepare for the Rugby World Cup.
With ambitions of reaching at least the quarter-finals in France, Japan seeks to replicate their impressive performance from four years ago when they surprised Ireland and Scotland on home soil.
Joseph’s squad includes a mix of seasoned World Cup veterans like winger Kotaro Matsushima, flankers Michael Leitch and Kazuki Himeno, as well as nine promising uncapped players.
Additionally, a wider training squad of 10 players was named, featuring 2019 World Cup captain Pieter Labuschagne.
To prepare for the upcoming challenges, Joseph has planned two training camps and scheduled matches against a New Zealand XV, as well as home Tests against Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji.
Before embarking on their World Cup campaign, Japan will face Italy in an away match, with their first game against Chile taking place in Toulouse on September 10.
Joseph, a New Zealand native, expressed his commitment to elevating the team’s performance to meet the demands of Test matches. He emphasized the importance of building a strong connection within the team, acknowledging the thrilling and demanding year that lies ahead.
“We have a lot of work to do as we prepare for our upcoming matches in Japan and then on to Italy before we head to France for the World Cup,” Joseph stated in a press release.
In Pool D at the World Cup, Japan will compete against England, Samoa, and Argentina.
