Japan reportedly on brink of 'shock' Six Nations invite following Rugby Championship 'dithering'

Japan could be set for an invite into the Six Nations following their spectacular run to the World Cup quarter-finals, according to a news report out of England.

Mail Online has reported that Japan could "receive a shock invitation" to Europe's premier international rugby competition after successfully hosting the World Cup, where they reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

The report from Daily Mail columnist Martin Samuel claimed the idea had "been floated in private after it emerged that the Rugby Championship — the Southern Hemisphere equivalent — were dithering about including the fast emerging Japanese and were proposing a delay of four or five years before sanctioning their involvement."

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Although no formal talks have yet been held, the Daily Mail said World Rugby were aware that "key figures within the Six Nations organisation have expressed an interest in creating a tournament that stretches 6000 miles to the Far East".

Through their scintillating brand of rugby, the Brave Blossoms have made a name for themselves as one of the most exciting prospects in international rugby under the tutelage of head coach Jamie Joseph and assistant Tony Brown.

Together, the Kiwi duo led Japan to pool play victories over Six Nations powerhouses Ireland and Scotland to help them secure their maiden play-offs berth.

Their potential within the global game isn't restricted to just their on-field exploits, though.

The Japanese public were gripped by their national side's performances throughout the World Cup, with 58 million people tuning in across the country to witness Japan's win over Scotland, which solidified their place in the quarter-finals.

World Rugby reported a record 1.84 million tickets were sold for all 48 matches at the World Cup, totalling in a 99.3 percent attendance rate overall.

Another 1.13 million people visited the fan zones around Japan and there were more than 1.7 billion digital video views, while the tournament is said to have boosted Japan's economy by $NZ 6.5 billion.