The first ever Test match between England and Japan to be played in Japan will be held next year, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) have announced, in an historic occasion for the two nations.
Today’s announcement marks exactly one year until the England men’s team plays against the Brave Blossoms in the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup on Saturday, 22 June 2024.
While England toured Japan in 1971 and 1979, playing matches which did not hold Test status, and the two nations have since faced off in a further three international fixtures (1987, 2018 and 2022), this will be the first ever Test match they play hosted by Japan.
The fixture is the result of a strengthening relationship between the two unions, after England played the Brave Blossoms at Twickenham Stadium during last year’s Autumn International Series and previously in 2018.
Discussions for a venue and kick-off time ahead of next year’s fixture are ongoing, with broadcast agreements also to be announced in due course.
RFU Chief Executive, Bill Sweeney, said: “We are delighted to announce England will play its first ever Test match against the Brave Blossoms in Japan. This is a landmark occasion for our two rugby nations.
“After hosting Japan twice at Twickenham Stadium in recent years, we’re eager to continue building our strong relationship with the JRFU. We have a lot of respect for Japanese rugby, and | know there will be mutual excitement between fans from both countries for this fixture.”
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Here’s some of the most prominent rugby players to have made waves in business.
Stuart Hogg
After confirming his retirement, Hogg said in a statement: “A new career beckons and I will attack in the same manner as I play the game.”
The Scotland legend has revealed he isn’t too keen on coaching, but will remain in the game as a pundit after making his debut on BBC during the 2023 Six Nations.
PUNDITRY:
Sources tell RUCK that BT Sport (soon to be TNT Sports) are keen. to recruit the fullback as a key part of their 2023/24 Premiership coverage.
RESTAURANT OWNER:
He is the co-owner of steak house Finsbay Flatiron in Glasgow.
The focus for Finsbay Flatiron is steak, specialising in 8oz flat irons (as the name suggests) and steaks from £8 on weekdays and £10 on weekends, as well as sides like mac and cheese and triple cooked chips.
DISTILLERY:
He’s a director of a distillery named Maiden Batch.
Caulker’s is a collaborative effort between five Glasgow men, two of whom happen to be British Lions and Scotland rugby internationals, Hogg and Alastair Kellock. The bottle is signed by all five.
Jack Nowell
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall.
Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere.
He is also a director of MUSTARD Clothing.
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