Leitch & Tui recalled into Japan squad for Ireland & Romania tests

Hitoshi Ono was the biggest casualty Monday when Japan head coach Jamie Joseph named his squad for the June internationals against Romania and Ireland.

 "I have to give a special mention to Kin-chan," Joseph said. "He was initially in our plans but has been plagued by injury and hasn't had enough opportunities to warrant selection. But he remains a big part of the Sunwolves and if injuries occur don't be surprised if he gets a call-up." The 39-year-old lock has played 98 test matches for the Brave Blossoms.

Shota Horie and Harumichi Tatekawa co-captain a squad that contains four new caps in Yusuke Niwai, Shota Emi, Derek Carpenter and William Tupou, and sees the return of Michael Leitch and Hendrik Tui following their breaks from international rugby.

The squad:

Props: Shintaro Ishihara, Keita Inagaki, Koki Yamamoto, Takuma Asahara, Heiichiro Ito, Yu Chinen; Hookers: Yusuke Niwai, Takeshi Hino, Shota Horie; Locks: Kyosuke Kajikawa, Uwe Helu, Shinya Makebe, Kotaro Yatabe; Flankers: Hendrik Tui, Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Shuhei Matasuhashi; No 8s: Amanaki Lelei Mafi, Michael Leitch; Scrumhalves: Keisuke Uchida, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yutaka Nagare; Flyhalves: Jumpei Ogura, Yu Tamura, Rikiya Matsuda; Centers: Derek Carpenter, Harumichi Tatekawa, William Tupou, Timothy Lafaele; Wings: Shota Emi, Kenki Fukuoka, Akihito Yamada; Fullbacks: Ryuji Noguchi, Kotaro Matsushima.