Ireland gave Japan a brutal reality check as they crushed the Asian champions 50-22 on Saturday in the second of their three-match summer tour. Joe Schmidt’s second-string side ran in seven tries in a clinical performance despite the lingering effects of jet-lag and blazing sunshine in Shizuoka, on Japan’s Pacific coast. “The conditions were slightly … Read more
The British and Irish Lions received a traditional Maori welcome on Wednesday as they arrived in New Zealand for the “ultimate challenge” of a Test series against the world champion All Blacks. Players from the composite team of English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish players wore suits and red ties as they flew in at the … Read more
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has said he is likely to step down after the next World Cup in 2019, according to a report on Friday. “I think, without committing to it 100 percent, I can’t see myself extending beyond the World Cup,” the New Zealand Herald quoted Hansen as saying. Hansen, who is preparing … Read more
Japan coach Jamie Joseph said Thursday that the Brave Blossoms were World Cup small fry, despite a breakout performance two years ago. The host nation will share the same pool as Ireland and Scotland for the 2019 tournament following Wednesday’s draw in Kyoto, where Joseph confessed to feeling a little intimidated. “It wasn’t until I … Read more
England were hit with a horror World Cup draw alongside France and Argentina on Wednesday in a devilishly tricky bracket that French coach Guy Noves called a “death group”. The 2003 champions were handed the toughest assignment of rugby’s top nations, with holders New Zealand drawing South Africa and Italy in Pool B. Two-time winners … Read more
Japan coach Jamie Joseph has expressed dismay that notes on the team’s swashbuckling 2015 World Cup run were not available to him when he took over from Eddie Jones. Keeping up with the Joneses is likely to prove tricky enough, but Joseph revealed Friday that he had to start from scratch as no blueprints for … Read more
Sunwolves coach Filo Tiatia said Thursday that the Japanese side have no reason to feel pressure this season after a chastening first year in Super Rugby. The Tokyo-based franchise won just one of 15 games under New Zealander Mark Hammett in 2016, while former Japan coach Eddie Jones called them “embarrassing” after a 92-17 mauling … Read more