Rugby: Japan wins 18^th slot in the future expanded Super Rugby tournament (southern hemisphere)

SANZAR (South Africa New Zealand Australian Rugby union), after confirming the extension of the Super Rugby tournament (rugby championship in the southern hemisphere) from 15 to 18 teams on 01/05/2014, said that the 18^th and final slot will allocated to the JFRU (Japanese Rugby Federation) on 24/10/2014.

A Japanese franchise will play in the tournament from 2016. Japan also competed with Singapore to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which was also awarded to Japan. Regarding the country's representation in the Super Rugby, "the best way to explain this is that Japan have been the preferred option for some time," said Steve Tew, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Japan among the elite of world rugby

• "While ultimately edged out in this instance, Singapore presented a highly attractive bid and we will maintain a positive relationship with an eye to potentially working with them in the future," stated Greg Peeters, CEO of SANZAR, on 24/10/2014.
• The Super Rugby 18 will have five New Zealand franchises, five Australian franchises, six South African franchises, an Argentine…