Wallabies set for Eddie Jones reunion after 2023 break up as Brave Blossoms Test confirmed
Tom Wright in action for the Wallabies against Japan and Brave Blossoms head coach Eddie Jones.
Australia are set for a reunion with their former head coach Eddie Jones after it was confirmed that the Wallabies will play a Test against Japan in Tokyo on October 25.
The encounter will be the first time the sides have faced each other since 2021 and it will be the first match of the Wallabies’ 2025 end-of-year tour.
Jones in his second spell with Japan
Jones started his second spell with Japan at the end of 2023 after guiding the Wallabies during a disastrous international campaign – where they won just two out of nine Tests – earlier that year.
The Wallabies and Brave Blossoms faced each other at Test level for the first time in 1975 and the Wallabies have been victorious in all six Tests between the two countries.
Rugby Australia (RA) and the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding in 2023.
“Rugby Australia and Japan Rugby Football Union enjoy a strong, productive relationship and share a rich rugby tradition,” said RA chief executive 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.
‘Excellent preparation for the Wallabies’
“The Test match will also serve as excellent preparation for the Wallabies ahead of the Autumn Internationals in the northern hemisphere.”
This year’s Test will be the first time that Australia and Japan face off in Tokyo and comes after the Wallabies clinched a 32-23 victory in Oita four years ago.
“We are both delighted and honoured to welcome the Wallabies back to Japan for the first time since 2021,” said Chairman Iwabuchi.
“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.”
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