Japan Rugby World Cup Team

Japan’s rugby team also known as the “The Cherry Blossoms” are regarded as the strongest rugby union power in Asia. Japan has participated in all five Rugby World Cups since the inaugural tournament held in 1987. Japan’s only win to date in the Rugby World Cup was in 1991 when they beat Zimbabwe in Belfast.

At the 1995 Rugby World Cup a ruthless New Zealand All Blacks side thrashed Japan by a record score 145-17. This result set the development of rugby union in Japan back, as the Japanese general public and most of the media only supports winners.

Since then Japan has beaten Taiwan 155-3 in a RWC 2003 qualifying game. Japan are regarded as one of the minnow nations and although they show great heart and sportsmanship - they have not been particularly successful at the World Cup.

Japan are ranked 18th in the world.

Japan Rugby World Cup Betting Information

Japan have played in every world cup and lost all five of their opening round matches.

They have only won one of 16 matches played, a 52-8 victory against Zimbabwe in 1991.

In this match they scored their record 9 tries in a world cup game.

Rugby World Cup Pool B - Japan Matches