Japan has been a fan favorite at the last two Rugby World Cups for its underdog victories over top-tier teams. Its win over the Springboks in 2015 has passed into lore (and a movie) as the Miracle of Brighton and its victories over Scotland and Ireland in 2019 caused jubilation in a World Cup hosted by Japan. At the same time, they come into the tournament on a run of poor form, having won only one of four tests this season and only four of 18 tests since hosting the last World Cup.
Talismanic former Japan captain Michael Leitch and hooker Shota Horie will both travel to their fourth World Cup next month after being named on Tuesday in coach Jamie Joseph s squad for the tournament in France.
TOKYO (AP) – Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named most of his Rugby World Cup squad, including 13 players who appeared at the 2019 tournament when the Brave Blossoms lost at home in the quarterfinals to eventual champion South Africa. The squad will depart Japan on Saturday ahead of its final World Cup warm-up […]