1
All Blacks to play ‘regular’ matches in Japan as part of landmark deal
By Finn Morton
The All Blacks will play “regular matches” in Japan during the next World Cup cycle as part of a momentous agreement between New Zealand Rugby and the Japan Rugby Football Union.
Looking to strengthen the relationship between the unions and grow the game in the Asia Pacific region, NZR and the JRFU have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
NZR revealed in a statement that the agreement will see the unions “explore strategic and commercial opportunities.”
As part of the MoU, the unions will explore the possibility of New Zealand-based Super Rugby sides playing Japan League One teams outside of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
This agreement will also lead to “more regular matches” between the All Blacks, Maori All Blacks, All Blacks XV, and the Japanese national team and Japan XV.
As confirmed by NZR in a statement on Wednesday, these representative teams from New Zealand and Japan will compete on a “regular basis” from 2024 to 2027. These matches will also be played in Japan.
The Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens will also participate in the Japan Sevens outside of other tournaments, such as World Series events.
NZR and JRFU will also look to include some of the best Japanese rugby players in Super Rugby Aupiki and the Farah Palmer Cup.
“It is great to formalise our relationship with Japan Rugby,” NZR CEO Mark Robinson said in a statement.
“We have a long-standing and strong history of collaboration and mutual respect on and off the field, as well as a shared love for rugby and the values of our game.
“The MoU provides us with opportunities for our Teams in Black, commercial partners, and other professional teams and competitions to work more closely together.
“The intention is for teams across the spectrum to play more regular matches, while also looking at how our men’s and women’s competitions could work together in the longer term.”
Echoing those comments, JRFU CEO Kensuke Iwabuchi said the unions “have a shared love of rugby and the values of the game.”
“Japan Rugby acknowledges the heritage of New Zealand Rugby and the shared respect for the integrity of our respective teams and competitions,” Iwabuchi said.
“We have a shared love of rugby and the values that the game stands for on and off the field, including teamwork, hard work, honesty and integrity.
“In working more closely together, NZR and JRFU acknowledge the importance of maintaining and respecting the heritage, competitiveness and commercial operations of existing rugby competitions played in Japan and New Zealand or involving teams from Japan and New Zealand.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Gloucester Rugby accounts reveal £3 million drop in turnover
3
Exeter Chiefs close to revealing new attack and backs coach
4
Edinburgh face anxious wait over Duhan van der Merwe
5
Latest Comments
Being an artist in New York, I rely heavily on online platforms to showcase and sell my work. One day, I was approached by a gallery claiming to offer international exposure for my art. They promised to feature my pieces in exhibitions and connect me with global buyers. Excited by the opportunity, I agreed to their terms, which included an upfront payment of $3000 to cover administrative fees. The gallery’s contact person stopped responding to my emails, and when I tried to visit their address, it turned out to be fake. I realized I had fallen victim to a scam. Feeling betrayed and frustrated, I didn’t know where to turn. That’s when I discovered Muyern Trust Hacker on ( Te le gram at muyerntrusthackertech ) I reached out to them, providing all the details I had: the gallery’s information, transaction records, and emails from the scammer. They worked tirelessly with international authorities to track the funds and initiate the recovery process. Within a few weeks, they successfully returned the $3000 to me. The relief I felt was overwhelming. Not only did I get my money back, but I also learned valuable lessons about verifying opportunities and being cautious with upfront payments. They are true professionals who go above and beyond to help their clients. Thanks to them, I can now focus on creating and sharing my art without the burden of losing hard-earned money to scammers. Here is their mail for efficient resolution: (muyerntrusted(@) ma il - me(.) c o m )
Go to commentsYou’re talking about the English Premiership here Andrew, what do you think it is?
Go to comments