New Zealand to face Japan in 2018
The All Blacks will return to Japan in 2018 to face the Brave Blossoms as part of their build-up to Rugby World Cup 2019, it was announced.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Bill English, who is on an official visit to Japan, made the announcement with officials from New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) in central Tokyo.
The Test will be played on November 3, 2018, with the venue to be confirmed later this year when the locations for Rugby World Cup 2019 are announced.
The All Blacks will fly to Japan to prepare for the Test match before heading onto Europe for the All Blacks annual Northern European Tour.
Speaking at the media conference, NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew said the Test met several objectives.
“Interest in rugby in Japan is on a high and will only build as we get closer to Rugby World Cup 2019. The Test will not only provide a great opportunity to prepare for the 2018 end of year tour, it also gives the team first-hand experience of playing in Japan less than a year out from the tournament,” he told the All Blacks website.
“Playing in Japan is always a highlight. Their fans love the game and are great supporters of the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby. Our partners adidas and AIG are also very active in using our players in the region in various campaigns and promotions, so I expect there will be keen interest in the match.”
JRFU President, Mr Tadashi Okamura said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome the All Blacks back to Japan for a match less than one year out from Japan hosting Rugby World Cup 2019.
“Matches don’t come much bigger than against the current World Champions, so in many ways it will be a curtain-raiser to the tournament in 2019.
“We have a tremendous amount of respect for the All Blacks and are proud of the strong rugby relationship between Japan and New Zealand. We have learnt a lot from New Zealand rugby over the years and we look forward to our Head Coach and former All Black, Jamie Joseph, leading out our team.”