Jamie Joseph, the head coach of Japan's national rugby team, revealed a 36-man squad on Wednesday for the upcoming Test matches, emphasizing the need to rebuild a strong team bond months ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Having surprised both Ireland and Scotland on their home turf four years ago to reach the quarter-finals, Japan now aims to replicate or surpass that achievement in France.
Alongside seasoned World Cup veterans like winger Kotaro Matsushima and flankers Michael Leitch and Kazuki Himeno, Joseph included nine uncapped players in the squad.
In addition to the named squad, Joseph also announced a supplementary training squad of 10 players, which features Pieter Labuschagne, the captain from the 2019 World Cup.
Prior to their World Cup campaign opener against Chile in Toulouse on September 10, Japan will undertake intensive training camps and engage in matches against a New Zealand XV, as well as home Test matches versus Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. Subsequently, they will face Italy away.
Jamie Joseph, a New Zealand native, expressed his intentions to elevate the team to the standard required for Test matches. He highlighted the significance of reestablishing a robust connection among the players, acknowledging the year ahead as both thrilling and challenging.
In a statement, Joseph acknowledged the immense work ahead as they prepare for matches in Japan, followed by Italy, and ultimately the World Cup in France.
Japan finds themselves placed in Pool D alongside England, Samoa, and Argentina for the global tournament.
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