24 - 28

32 - 25

16 - 12

Today

14:05

All Blacks to play 2018 Test in Japan

By Tom Webber

17 May 2017

New Zealand perform the Haka

New Zealand will play a Test in Japan next year as part of their build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The All Blacks will look to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the third successive time when Japan hosts the tournament, and they will take on the Brave Blossoms on November 3, 2018.

A venue for the Test will be announced by the Japan Rugby Football Union “in due course”.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen said in a statement: “We’re delighted to be returning to Japan for what no doubt will be a great occasion. The match against the Brave Blossoms will be an important part of our preparation towards 2019.

“It’ll give our team the chance to experience the unique environment and culture we will return to the following year. We look forward to being hosted by the Japanese.”

LIVE

Comments

0 Comments

Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Latest Features

LONG READ

A glut of Lions balances the less than rosy state of the Irish rugby garden

While Leinster quenched their trophy drought, there are big summers ahead for Munster, Ulster and Connacht.

LONG READ

Tom Willis: 'You need an edge, you need to flick that switch once you cross the line.'

The Saracens and England back row talks about the importance of family, his French leave in Bordeaux and love of bagels.

LONG READ

Explaining the new off-field sanction process in effect for the Lions tour and July Tests

A streamlined disciplinary procedure, allowing greater convenience, speed and clarity of decision-making, will be trialled across World Rugby competitions, beginning this weekend.

Comments on RugbyPass

Ed the Duck 14 minutes ago

British & Irish Lions player ratings vs Argentina | 2025 Lions series

Almost sounds like you’re describing a level of arrogance from the Irish media, you’ll have RW bursting a vessel if you’re not careful there!

Argie are capable of turning over any team, and not by luck either. Their future looks genuinely bright (not just pretend bright like Ulster 😉) with SRA up and running and their three teams participating. The demise of the jags might actually prove to be the making of them.

25 Go to comments

mJ 15 minutes ago

Henry Pollock again splits rugby fans with his Lions debut antics

He did one excellent carry flat and broke the line and then three static carries where he slowed the ball and struggled to keep possession, those should have gone to a big body for quick ball and then him on quick ball. He’s got to learn his place and duty in the team.

1 Go to comments

LW 23 minutes ago

Crusaders reign again as Chiefs suffer historic third Grand Final heartbreak

So much for the Chiefs being full of xfactor and a rolls royce backline. Mex called it about the opposite of the result. Tupaea was immense but what about Jordan taking the last 4 or 5 aerial takes in the end, killed it…. Where the F were the chiefs backs on those high balls? Nowhere

7 Go to comments

Ed the Duck 27 minutes ago

A glut of Lions balances the less than rosy state of the Irish rugby garden

and how would that compare to the tears of Ulster players departing from third bottom and the fans celebrating their challenge cup qualification…