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Japanese Super Rugby team to be called the Sunwolves
Last updated 18:58, October 5 2015
Japan's Super Rugby team will be known as the Sunwolves and play their historic first game against the Lions in Tokyo on February 27 next year.
The name was chosen to represent bravery, strength and the ethos of teamwork. It is a hybrid comprising the blazing icon of the "Land of the Rising Sun" and a wolf which represents a pack-hunting mentality.
The team will compete in a conference alongside the Bulls, Cheetahs and Stormers.
Sanzar interim CEO Brendan Morris welcomed the Sunwolves to Super Rugby: "It gives us great pleasure to welcome the Sunwolves to Super Rugby as they prepare to join our expanded competition alongside the Kings from South Africa and an Argentinian team that will be revealed shortly.
"It's an exciting time for the sport and also for fans throughout Japan who can start getting behind the brand, identity and ethos of their Super Rugby team. The JRSA [Japan Super Rugby Association] did a tremendous job engaging the fans and we look forward to watching the nation get behind this team as it continues to take shape in the coming months."
After their clash with the Lions, the Sunwolves will play three more matches at home, including two in Singapore, in a schedule designed to drive momentum and local support for the team in its all-important formative stages.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...-the-sunwolves
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Will be interesting to see how the Japanese domestic comp fits around the new team - at the moment the Japanese Super Rugby players all go back at the end of the season. In fact there's a pretty impressive list of Super Rugby players playing in Japan for the upcoming season in general!
Kotaro Matsushima (Japan, Waratahs)
Hendrik Tui (Japan, Reds)
Keita Inagaki (Japan, Rebels)
Michael Leitch (Japan, Chiefs)
Fumiaki Tanaka (Japan, Highlanders)
Ben McCalman (Australia, Force)
Israel Folau (Australia, Waratahs)
Bernard Foley (Australia, Waratahs)
Brodie Retallick (New Zealand, Chiefs)
Liam Messam (New Zealand, Chiefs)
Schalk Burger (South Africa, Stormers)
Damien de Allende (South Africa, Stormers)
Eben Etzebeth (South Africa, Stormers)
Willie le Roux (South Africa, Cheetahs/Sharks)
JP Pietersen (South Africa, Sharks)
Handre Pollard (South Africa, Bulls)
Last edited by beige; 16-10-15 at 11:36.
Are Bernard Foley and Nick Cummins also in Japan for the off season?
Foley is there for the off season but I'm pretty sure that Nick Cummins is there full time. To my knowledge he has no Australian contract for next year?
Hadn't realised McCalman was lost for next year. Our one Wallaby!
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
Ah! I'd forgotten that; that's good to hear
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
SunWolves? I wonder if this a joint-venture between Suntory and Toshiba?
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?