Jamie Joseph names Japan squad for England and France tests

Japan Head Coach Jamie Joseph has announced the 40-member Squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.

The squad left Japan on Wednesday and will face the likes of England and France in the final two test matches of the year. 

Comprising 22 forwards and 18 backs, the squad brings together a solid mix of youth and experience, as the Brave Blossoms enter their final 10 months of preparations, ahead of their first match at next year’s Rugby World Cup in France. Captained by 31-cap Atsushi Sakate, the most capped player in the squad is 76-cap Michael Leitch.

The forwards bring together solid test match experience with an average of 14.3 caps per player. Rugby World Cup 2019 veterans, 43-cap Keita Inagaki, 23-cap Kazuki Himeno and 20-cap Wimmpie van der Walt are included in a group that also includes 12 players with 10 caps or less.

The backs bring together a playing group with slightly less experience, with an average of 11.8 caps per player. Kotaro Matsushima, with 45 caps, is the squad’s most capped back. He is joined by the experienced, 31-cap Ryoto Nakamura, 28-cap Yutaka Nagare and 25-cap Ryohei Yamanaka, while 12 of the 18 backs have 10 test caps or less, including uncapped Hayata Nakao.    

Commenting on the squad selection, National Team Director, Yuichiro Fuji said:

‘Following our three matches against Australia A, we identified issues and areas that needed improvement. We were then able to challenge the All Blacks in Tokyo, pushing them all the way, right to the final whistle. While the result was disappointing, the players fought bravely and showed their skills. We are now aiming to reach a higher level in Europe against England and France, growing in strength and building even closer bonds amongst the group as we prepare for next year’s World Cup.”

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