World Rugby is desperate to expand the sport and inviting the World Cup hosts into a long-established European competition would help do just that
I had a conversation with some Japan supporters a few days before the Scotland match and they asked me if I thought their team might be able to cause any more upsets at the World Cup. I can safely say that is not a conversation I will be having any more because the tournament’s narrative has changed. Japan are no longer causing upsets but producing world‑class performances, and they are making a mockery of their tier-two label.
I want to start a different conversation. How about Japan joining the Six Nations? I may be inviting ridicule and there are obvious logistical hurdles that would have to be overcome but can rugby union really say it is in rude enough health that it is not a question worth asking?
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