Japan Rugby Shirts

Japan, whose nickname The Cherry Blossoms has been recently updated to The Brave Blossoms, perhaps because of their mixed results over the years, is in fact the best rugby union team in Asia. They regularly compete in the Pacific Nations Cup, the Asian Five Nations and have taken part in every Rugby World Cup since it began. The first ever rugby match in Japan was played in 1874 against British sailors. Japan was more widely introduced to rugby in 1899 by Professor Edward Bramwell Clarke and Tanaka Ginnosuke. The Japanese National Team played their first international match against Canada in 1932 which Japan won nine points to eight.

Notable achievements for the national squad have included the beating of the Junior All Blaks in 1968 and having come within three points of beating England in 1971 and within five points of beating Wales in 1983. However, success came in 1989 when Japan made entered the history books, beating Scotland for the first time ever at Chichibunomiva rugby stadium by 28 points to 24. The same team went on to World Cup success beating Zimbabwe in 1991.

Where to buy Japan Rugby shirts and gear?

		Store Name	Shipping	Range	Our Rating
		www.kitbag.co.uk	UK & Europe	Clothes		View Prices
		www.lovellrugby.co.uk	UK & Europe	Full Range		View Prices

Team Jersey:

The Japanese National Rugby Team shirt is lightweight polyester and made to the Canterbury New Zealand quality. It therefore bears the CCC embalm signifying the shirt’s quality. Features of the shirt include breathable stretch panels under the arms and down the sides and tailored sleeves giving it a sleek look. The shirt is also embroidered with the Japan National Rugby Union logo – the Blossom – on the left and the Rugby World Cup logo on the right.

Team Record:

The Japanese National Rugby Team has had mixed success over the years winning only 45.10% of their games and loosing 52.94%. However, their largest victory was recorded with a massive 155 points to three. Notable games have included their victory over the Junior All Blacks, a narrow loss to England and Japan’s 12 – 12 draw against Canada in the Rugby World Cup, their second best result in that tournament. Yet despite this mixed success, Japan has participated in all six Rugby World Cups since the competitions began in 1987.