Get Newsletter

SA-born trio in Japan's World Cup training squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan included three South African-born players in their World Cup training squad.

ADVERTISEMENT

Former Bulls duo Pieter Labuschagne and Grant Hattingh join Wimpie van der Walt in Jamie Joseph’s squad.

Van der Walt already has nine caps for the Brave Blossoms.

He made his debut for the national team back in 2017.

Hattingh and Labuschagne, who are both uncapped at Test level, made their debuts for the Sunwolves in last year’s Super Rugby tournament.

Japan face Russia in the opening game of the 2019 World Cup on September 20.

Japan will also face Ireland, Scotland and Samoa in Pool A.

ADVERTISEMENT

Japan training squad: Takuma Asahara, Keita Inagaki, Jiwon Koo, Masataka Mikami, Samuela Anise, Grant Hattingh, Wimpie Van Der Walt, Pieter Labuschagne, Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Masakatsu Nishikawa, Michael Leitch, Shunsuke Nunomaki, Kazuki Himeno, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yutaka Nagare, Yu Tamura, Kenki Fukuoka, Akihito Yamada, William Tupou, Kotaro Matsushima.

Video Spacer

RugbyPass has created a next-generation rugby rating system, based on machine learning and shaped by game-winning moments. The system (RPI) is a world first for its complexity and comprehensive embrace of northern and southern hemisphere players and teams. By using in-depth data analysis, RPI determines exactly what it takes to win, in real time. Explore the RPI now!

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment