Japan Junior Squad Confirmed For World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2023

The JRFU has confirmed their Junior Japan squad that will take on Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga in Apia in May for the World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2023.

Updated May 2023

In total, the Japan squad features 28 members and Junior Japan and Japan U20 Head Coach Rob Penney has selected fly-half/utility back, Yoshiki Omachi from Teikyo University as the captain.

Penney said: “There is great excitement building among the 28 players and staff as we assemble ahead of the tournament. While the Pacific Challenge is an under-23 age grade tournament, we have deliberately decided to take an under-20 team as part of our preparations for the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship 2023 in South Africa this June.”

The squad features 16 forwards and 12 backs and Junior Japan will be keen to defend the title, having won the last tournament in Fiji in 2020.

Photo Credit: JRFU – Junior Japan and Japan U20 Head Coach Rob Penney

Junior Japan Squad – World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2023

This is the first time the tournament has taken place since 2020, following the disruption caused by the global pandemic.

• The rugby tournament will be played over three competition days in a round-robin format, with all teams playing three matches each.
• The team finishing with the most competition points across the tournament will be named Pacific Challenge 2023 Champions.

World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2023 Fixtures

Apia Park | Kick-off times are TBC

MATCH-DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, 3 MAY 2023

• Junior Japan 15-72 Fiji Warriors
• Manuma Samoa 69-7 Tonga A

MATCH-DAY 2: MONDAY, 8 MAY 2023

• Tonga A v Junior Japan
• Manuma Samoa v Fiji Warriors

MATCH-DAY 3: SATURDAY, 13 MAY 2023

• Fiji Warriors v Tonga A
• Manuma Samoa v Junior Japan

Photo Credit: World Rugby

2023 Rugby Tournaments

• World Rugby U20 Championships 2023-2024.
• World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023.
• Asia Rugby Men’s Division 2 Championship 2023
• Japan XV and Brave Blossoms 2023 Match Schedule.