Wallabies set for clash with Eddie Jones’ Japan as Test in Tokyo confirmed

Rugby Australia have announced that the Wallabies will take on Japan’s Brave Blossoms at Tokyo’s National Stadium on October 25. With Eddie Jones currently coaching Japan after leaving Australian rugby in 2023, this sets up a blockbuster clash between the two teams.

Coach Jones was named the Wallabies’ newest head coach in January 2023, less than a year out from the Men’s Rugby World Cup. Australia were beaten in their five Tests leading into the showpiece tournament in France, which included a loss to Argentina in Sydney.

The Wallabies snapped their losing run in their opening World Cup match as a Ben Donaldson masterclass led the team to victory, but the men in gold failed to make the quarter-finals for the first time following losses to Fiji and a 40-6 defeat to Wales.

It had been reported before the clash with Wales that Jones had interviewed with Japan, but the Wallabies coach denied those claims time and time again. Jones was later named the Brave Blossoms’ newest head coach in December that year.

Jones is now on track to coach against the Wallabies for the first time since taking up the position with the Brave Blossoms following Friday’s Test announcement. Australia holds a perfect six-from-six winning record against Japan, but Jones will be intent on helping Japan create some rugby history.

“Rugby Australia and Japan Rugby Football Union enjoy a strong, productive relationship and share a rich rugby tradition,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said in a statement.

“We are delighted the Wallabies will play the Brave Blossoms in front of a large, passionate crowd in Tokyo and thank JRFU President Masato Tsuchida, JRFU Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi and their administration for the opportunity.

“The Test match will also serve as excellent preparation for the Wallabies ahead of the Autumn Internationals in the northern hemisphere.”

This will be the Wallabies’ first Test of their 2025 End of Year Tour, and it’ll also be the first time that Australia and Japan have met for a Test match in Tokyo.

These two teams last went head-to-head in 2021, where the Wallabies got the job done 32-23 at Oita Stadium. Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Rob Leota and Connal McInerney were the try-scorers that day, while Quade Cooper also added some points off the goal-kicking tee.

“We are both delighted and honoured to welcome the Wallabies back to Japan for the first time since 2021,” JRFU Chairman, Kensuke Iwabuchi, explained.

“Hosting Australia at Tokyo’s National Stadium promises to be a spectacular occasion, and we look forward to welcoming the many Australian fans who live here in Japan, as well as those travelling from abroad.

“As the hosts of the next Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027, Australia’s visit is sure to evoke fond memories of our own World Cup in 2019 – not only for Brave Blossoms fans, but also for the large Wallaby contingent who contributed so much to the spectacle and atmosphere of the tournament.”