Japan’s head coach, Eddie Jones, has set an ambitious target of securing a top-four finish at the 2027 Rugby World Cup while also laying the foundation for the long-term future of the Brave Blossoms. Since returning to the helm, the 64-year-old has focused on building a squad that can compete not only in Australia in three years but also in the subsequent World Cup.
Jones is clear about his mission, stating, “My job is to win, 100 percent, but I came back to Japan because I want to build a base for Japan going forward.” To achieve this, he has introduced 17 new players in his seven tests, focusing on an attack-heavy, “super-fast” style of play that defines Japanese rugby.
The team has seen mixed results with three wins and four losses, including a 41-17 defeat to world No. 9 Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup final. Jones acknowledges the current challenges, admitting the Brave Blossoms, ranked 14th globally, are “not good enough” to beat top-10 teams. He is dedicated to changing that over the next three years, aiming to create a team that can “scare” opponents with their aggressive attack.
“That’s the type of team we want to be, because if they’re trying to stop us, they’re concentrating less on what they’re doing,” Jones explained.
Several newcomers have shown promise, with Jones particularly excited about the team’s “spine,” which includes players like hooker Mamoru Harada, No. 8 Faulua Makisi, scrumhalves Shinobu Fujiwara and Taiki Koyama, and fullback Yoshitaka Yazaki. Of Yazaki, a former 19-year-old Waseda University student, Jones said, “He’s quickly developed the capacity to play test rugby because he’s special.”
To further develop talent, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has been working more closely with universities and Japan Rugby League One. Jones emphasized that all levels have been “really receptive” to better integration with the national body, saying, “We’ve been visiting the League One sides and what we’ve been trying to do is just say, you’re part of the picture…so how can we work with you?”
A longtime advocate for the former Tokyo-based Super Rugby side, Sunwolves, Jones hopes Japan will eventually field a team in the Oceania competition. However, his immediate priority is strengthening League One, which replaced the corporate-oriented Top League in 2022.
“Maybe three years down the track, when Super Rugby is due for a restructure, I think that’s the timing,” Jones remarked. “Then I think Japan should look seriously again at having a team in Super Rugby.”
Japan’s next big challenge will come on Oct. 26, when they face world No. 3 New Zealand at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium. They will then embark on a European tour in November. While Jones knows the task will be tough, he remains optimistic, declaring that “everything is possible,” including a historic win against New Zealand.
Veterans Michael Leitch and Kazuki Himeno may return to face the All Blacks, but only if they prove their fitness. As Jones said, “(They) had injuries they needed to rehab and if they’re fit when selection comes about…then we’ll make the decision about whether we add them to the team.”
While building a squad for the future, Jones is clear that his role will conclude in 2027, stating, “(It’s) not for me. My job is until 2027.”
