The Japan Rugby Football Union is in talks with both the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship to ensure regular international games, but would prefer to be part of the southern hemisphere competition.
Japan reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup on home soil but did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, returning to action after 18 months against the British & Irish Lions in June 2021.
The Brave Blossoms won only one of their six matches last year, against Portugal.
“For our national teams to have not played for the best part of two years has had a huge impact,” former Japan international and current CEO Kensuke Iwabuchi told the JRFU website.
“We definitely need to be involved in regular international competition, otherwise we cannot expect to maintain consistently strong sides.
“Europe has the Six Nations and the Southern Hemisphere have the Rugby Championship.
“We’re in discussions with both competitions, but while Japan is technically in the Northern Hemisphere, from a time-zone perspective we’re closer to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific nations, so it probably makes sense to connect with their competitions.”
The Rugby Championship is contested by Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Iwabuchi said the team can take heart from solid displays in defeats by Ireland, Australia and Scotland last year and added they hoped to build on them before the next World Cup in France.
“I remain very optimistic regarding the Brave Blossoms and think that with two years of solid preparation ahead of France 2023 we can be in a position to achieve similar, if not better results than 2019,” Iwabuchi said.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Well hopefully CoviD's not around that long Harry!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Can't really see that happening Jacko, my bet is they'll stay in the RC, as it's a tougher & more competitive competition than that NH one.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Maybe money makes the world go round, but do you really think that including Japan won't be an asset? Then I myself can't see the Bokke joining the six nation's as it's competition they want, not so much money. By at least staying with the RC, will at least give them fiercer competition facing their greatest foe, NZ. Well, most that know the history between the two nations know that a test between the two, is classed as the ' ultimate challenge' .
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
And just maybe Jacko, this coming season we could find that CoviD will eff us all, with the trans Tasman, competition.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Actually financially, Japan, would be a great asset , for the RC. Not only that, they are a nation on the improve in the Global Game. With a quality coach as Jamie Joseph, this RC competition would only see them get far better, than what they presently are. IMO, they should be included, for the betterment of the game.
Paul
Roar Rookie
Strategically I think the Australian and NZ should be bending over backwards, and courting the Japanese for their participation in the Rugby Championship. With Australians playing in the Japanese league and the increasing likelihood of players needing to be released for International duties it helps to have them in the same competitions. So, yes - Japan into both Rugby Championship and SR.
Dally M
Roar Rookie
That's still not a conference system. Is there one competition table or two? An uneven draw yes, but a conference system no. Even then, the teams they play twice will change from season to season. The extra matches were primarily driven by the need for TV content and games for crowd revenue. Oz asked for the extras to be local derbies first up due to a push by Stan/9 for that content due to the high ratings in 2021. Not an ideal format. I'd rather a full round of SRAU and SRNZ, then into a full TT round against each other with all points going to the table. The number of finalists is excessive as well, but once again it extends the season and provides content.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Dally M there is a conference system in SRP. Aus sides and Fiji play 3 from their half twice. NZ plus PM play 3 from their half twice. How is it equal that the Chiefs play the Blues and Crusaders twice and the reds play the Rebels and the Tahs twice.
NH Fan
Guest
Japan has money and the Tasman teams need it. SANZAAR should be looking to get them in as it is about the commercial deals it brings. Italy while poor on the pitch more than pay their way off it. NZ and Oz could also just set up a Pacific Championship and play it each year during the 6N period. They need more international tests anyway and don't have to share it with Argentina or SA. It's SANZAAR's inability to act at the right time that caused them lose their place of strenght. Be that shrinking the SA market to 4 teams when England and France had 12-14 losing players to end up with SA as it is, or not including the PIs when they were good. If they don't go after Japan it will be their expensive loss.
Sinckler for the rules
Roar Rookie
Who should replace Italy though? Georgia soundly beaten by Italy 3 years ago?
Dally M
Roar Rookie
We're talking about the first conference system (3), not the second iteration when more teams were added and Africa split into 2.
Dally M
Roar Rookie
There's no conference system for SRP. Isn't it also NZ's competition where they invited OZ to participate. How then did they get forced to do anything?
piru
Roar Rookie
That'd be great, and a great opportunity to change the name of the comp to something memorable. I mean "The Rugby Championship" is about as uninspiring as it gets - might as well call your side "The football team".
Jacko
Roar Rookie
So its just me and the SARU then?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I think you’re in the tiny minority on this one Jacko
Jacko
Roar Rookie
You mean "You" want them in the RC. I couldnt care less if they went north. Just dont expect any favors from the sides the crap on in the south. Tour NZ and Aus every 6-8 years like the NH sides do.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yep its up to me and millions of other rugby fans who are not willing to have 2 SA national sides. 1 team per nation Terry. Or should NZ , Japan, Aus, etc just have 2 or maybe 3...why not 4 national teams playing in 4 different comps? That will never be an acceptable option.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
No sorry SA had a garranteed finalist and a probable 2 finalists in the system they pushed for with the 4 conferences.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Aus has now pushed the conference system on NZ for the new comp. Forced NZ to have "derby's" so NZ teams play 3 extra games in their half and Aus play 3 extra teams in their half. Thats what 2 pools of 6 does. Another BS comp thats not equal. Aus has effed us again.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Tonga and Samoa should be stronger too with the new rules around playing for a second nation. Get the top 4 and bottom 4. Then promo relegation for 3 yrs till japan and Fiji are ready for the RC, then bring in more America sides for tier 2 comp. Give 4 years notice now so sides can plan.