Japan to be promoted to Tier 1 status by Beaumont

Japan is set to be promoted to Tier 1 status by Bill Beaumont. The reelected World Rugby Chairman made the promise to Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), reports Nikkei Rugby. The upcoming announcement is expected within days.

For Japan this is to represent a turning point, akin to when Argentina received World Rugby backing after RWC 2007 for a place in the Tri Nations. Argentina joined in 2012 and the tournament became known as the Rugby Championship.

Japan is expected to be added to the annual competition as is Fiji. In order for the latter to be added a global season is required. Under current arrangements the bulk of Fiji’s premier players are based in Europe. This was also the case of Argentina prior to joining the Rugby Championship.

Japan’s successful hosting of RWC 2019 makes the country an attractive and lucrative addition to the Rugby Championship. Wins over South Africa in RWC 2015; and Ireland and Scotland in RWC 2019 were noted by rugby administrators worldwide.

In being elevated to Tier 1 status, Japan will be the eleventh member of the category. The other ten are those involved in the Six Nations and Rugby Championship tournaments. They are Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland and Wales.

The definitions of Tiers 1 and 2 are set to be rebranded. They will become known as Established Nations and Emerging Nations.