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The host country of Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan has confirmed a 31-man roster for the tournament. Head Coach Jamie Joseph has selected a squad with 18 forwards, and 13 backs. As was the case in RWC 2015 the team will be captained by Michael Leitch.
Leitch will be joined by a number of vastly experienced players. Among them are hooker Shota Horie, second-rower Luke Thompson, and scrum half Fumiaki Tanaka.
The 65 time capped Thompson will be playing in his fourth Rugby World Cup, doing so at the age 0f 38. The New Zealand import is to be joined by Uwe Helu, James Moore, and Wimpie van der Walt as the additional second-rowers.
Star flanker Kazuki Himeno has been deemed fit to play in the tournament though will not be considered for Japan’s home match against South Africa in Kumagaya on September 06.
The rematch of the Brighton miracle will be the final fixture for both Japan and South Africa before RWC 2019 itself. Japan will face Russia in the tournament’s opening match which will take place in Tokyo on Friday, September 20.
Japan’s subsequent pool matches are to be against Ireland in Shizuoka on September 28; Samoa in Toyota on October 05; and Scotland in Yokohama on October 13.
For complete details of Japan’s 31-man roster for RWC 2019 click here.
JAPAN ROSTER
FORWARDS: Keita Inagaki, Yusuke Kizu, Koo Ji-won, Isileli Nakajima, Asaeli Ai Valu, Takuya Kitade, Atsushi Sakata, Shota Horie, Uwe Helu, James Moore, Luke Thompson, Wimpie van der Walt, Hendrik Tui, Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Michael Leitch (capt.), Lappies Labuschagné, Kazuki Himeno, Amanaki Mafi
BACKS: Kaito Shigeno, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yutaka Nagare, Yu Tamura, Rikiya Matsuda, Ataata Moeakiola, Lomano Lemeki, Ryoto Nakamura, Timothy Lafaele, Kenki Fukuoka, Kotaro Matsushima, Will Tupou, Ryohei Yamanaka
