(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Japan Rugby: Brave Blossoms Ready for Pacific Nations Cup 2025
Japan’s national rugby team, known as the Brave Blossoms, are set for an exciting campaign at the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 under the guidance of head coach Eddie Jones. With a mix of fresh talent and experienced names, Japan will look to go one step further after finishing as runners-up last year.
Quick Facts – Japan Rugby
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Number of PNC tournaments played: 12
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Best finish: Champions (2011, 2014, 2019)
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Most points in a match: 55 (vs Canada, 2024)
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Biggest win: 41-7 vs Tonga (2019)
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Kit colours: Cherry red and white
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Nickname: Brave Blossoms
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Logo: Cherry blossom (sakura)
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Playing style: Known for super-fast “Chosoku Rugby” with the ability to strike from anywhere.
Did You Know?
Japan’s first-ever rugby international victory came on 31 January 1932, when they defeated Canada in front of 25,000 fans.
Current Form & World Ranking
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World Ranking: 14
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Recent Form (tests only): L W L W L
PNC 2025 Fixtures
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30 August: Japan vs Canada – Yurtec Stadium, Sendai
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6 September: USA vs Japan – Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Eddie Jones: The Coach Who Divides Opinion
Love him or not, Eddie Jones is one of the most influential coaches in world rugby. Since returning for his second spell with Japan, Jones has guided the Brave Blossoms to four wins in eight tests, including a historic victory over Wales in July 2025, their first since 2013.
Jones has made it clear: the goal is not just the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 title, but also preparation for tough year-end tours against Australia, Ireland, Wales, and Georgia.
Key Player to Watch: Tomoki Osada
The Saitama Wild Knights centre/wing is part of the new generation of Japanese backs. Fast, versatile, and fearless, Osada embodies Jones’ philosophy of “Chosoku Rugby.” Alongside Kippei Ishida and Haruto Kida, he could be a real game-changer.
Legend Missing: Michael Leitch
Veteran forward Michael Leitch, one of Japan’s most iconic captains, is sitting out the PNC 2025 for personal reasons. He is expected to rejoin the squad for the northern hemisphere tour in November, right after his 37th birthday.
Jones has highlighted the need to develop new leaders for the team:
“Leadership and captaincy are big areas we need to develop. Michael Leitch is still by far the best captain in Japan, but we must prepare the next generation.”
New-Look Squad for PNC 2025
With 11 regulars unavailable, Jones has named nine uncapped players and 14 with fewer than 10 caps.
Forwards (Selected)
Yota Kamimori, Kenta Kobayashi, Sena Kimura, Hayate Era, Warner Dearns, Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava
Backs (Selected)
Shuntaro Kitamura, Kenta Fukuda, Dylan Riley, Kippei Ishida, Tomoki Osada, Haruto Kida, Sam Greene
What They Say
“Last year we finished second, this year our aim is to go one better. We’ve built an identity with Chosoku rugby, but now we want to turn that into a winning formula.” – Eddie Jones
Final Word
Japan’s blend of youthful energy and experienced guidance makes them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Pacific Nations Cup 2025. Fans can expect fast rugby, bold attacking moves, and a team determined to bring home the title.
