The Wallabies to meet Japan for the first time in four years
Japan will host the Wallabies in October in the nations’ first rugby meeting since 2017.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Wallabies will prepare for their three-Test tour of the United Kingdom with a match against Japan in Oita on October 23.
It will be Australia’s first meeting with the Brave Blossoms since a 63-30 Wallabies win in Yokohama in November 2017.
“We’re really looking forward to squaring off against Japan,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.
“They showed everyone at the World Cup in 2019 that they are a top nation and can match it with the best.”
Rennie praised the work of Japan coach Jamie Joseph and assistant Tony Brown for their work in improving the Brave Blossoms.
“Jamie and Tony have built a formidable squad that plays a really exciting, up-tempo style” Rennie said.
“We need to continue to test ourselves with this variety of play, so this is an important match for us as we continue to build ahead of the next World Cup in France.”
Joseph said the chance for his team to play at home for the first time since the 2019 World Cup, against a team of Australia’s “quality”, was a “hugely important moment for us to reconnect with our fans and the wider Japanese public”.
“The Wallabies are a strong team, with quality players throughout their squad, (and) like Japan, they look to play an exciting brand of fast, attacking, running rugby,” Joseph said.
“The match will be a great opportunity for us to play our style of rugby against a side that brings something different to the Test matches we have played in recent years.
“Both Japan and Australia will be heading onto Europe following the match, so both teams we will be looking to make the best possible start to their upcoming tours.”
Following the match, the Wallabies will travel to Edinburgh for a Test against Scotland on November 7.
The Australians will also meet England and Wales on their UK tour.
Originally published as The Wallabies to meet Japan for the first time in four years
Just outstanding! The young guns on fire in Waratahs v Reds U15 battle
It’s a taste of things to come, a critical showcase for rising stars of rugby and the annual battle between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds under 15s did not disappoint. Stars, photos
Rugby history! Australia’s rare result on New Zealand soil ‘special’
Rugby’s U18s rising stars have done something few other Aussie teams have managed in recent times - completing a shock and awe mission across the ditch for two wins. Stars, result wrap