England set for Japanese return eight months after World Cup final loss

Beaten World Cup finalists England are set to return to Japan eight months after their loss to South Africa.

Japan have confirmed they will host Eddie Jones’ side on a two-Test tour next July, starting in Oita, where England beat Australia in a quarter-final last month, and finishing in Kobe, the city where they defeated USA in September. 

Jones said: “Japan were fantastic Rugby World Cup hosts and we feel humbled to have been a part of it. The England squad had a fantastic experience of the country and we are excited to return in July next year.

“The Japan national team have shown again how good a side they are with their performances during the World Cup and I know they will provide a great test for us in July.”

England last played Japan in November 2018 at Twickenham, winning 35-15 after a tight first half. This was only the second time in history the two sides had played each other. 

The only previous meeting between the two nations was at the inaugural World Cup in 1987 when England secured a comfortable 60-7 victory in Sydney. England have never played a Test against Japan in Japan.

July Test Series 2020 – Japan v England

• July 4: Showa Denko Dome, Oita
• July 11: Noevir Stadium, Kobe

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