The Irish Times

Andy Farrell surprised by speed of James Ryan’s recovery

Injury had seemingly ruled James Ryan out of Lions call-up

Thu Jul 01 2021 - 17:54

James Ryan and Joey Carbery in Ireland side to face Japan

Andy Farrell selects strongest side at his disposal for match in Dublin

Thu Jul 01 2021 - 14:32

Opportunity knocks for Lions’ all-Celtic starting XV

Japan’s high-tempo brand of rugby has capacity to trouble Warren Gatland’s side

Sat Jun 26 2021 - 06:00

Michael Leitch to captain experienced Japan side against the Lions

10 of the side that lost World Cup quarter-final will start at Murrayfield

Thu Jun 24 2021 - 19:48

Sporting upsets: Japan light the blue touch paper as Ireland slowly wilt

Brave Blossoms’ win sparks beginning of the end for Schmidt’s side and inspires a nation

Fri Oct 16 2020 - 06:00

Proper warrior Jamie Ritchie is the template Scotland need to build future on

Jim Telfer believes flanker has the type of aggression and nastiness that Scotland require

Sat Feb 01 2020 - 07:00

Exhilarating Japan arrive on the big stage in the land of the rising water

Hosts send an intoxicating air through rugby’s old order as they dump out Scotland

Mon Oct 14 2019 - 07:09

Rugby World Cup: Japan enthral a nation and beyond as they storm into quarter-finals

Ireland will now play world champions New Zealand in the last eight next Saturday

Sun Oct 13 2019 - 13:59

Rugby World Cup: Preparation drives Japan’s perfect coup

Unlike four years ago, favourable schedule in the pool will now suit the Brave Blossoms

Tue Oct 01 2019 - 06:00

Rugby World Cup: Japan’s old guard to the fore on glorious night for host nation

Luke Thompson. Michael Leitch and Shota Horie all put in huge performances in Shizuoka

Mon Sept 30 2019 - 06:00

Rugby World Cup: Japan pitch perfect as Ireland strike bum note

Host nation take full advantage as Ireland let standards drop in Shizuoka

Mon Sept 30 2019 - 06:00

Rugby World Cup - Thompson: ‘Everyone had written us off . . . It’s a very special moment’

Jamie Joseph: ‘We’ve been preparing for this game for a hell of a lot longer than what the Irish have’

Sat Sept 28 2019 - 14:17

‘Sensational’ Japan light the blue touch paper with Ireland win: the world press react

Famous victory for the Brave Blossoms was a shock but it was also thoroughly deserved

Sat Sept 28 2019 - 13:02

Rugby World Cup: Joe Schmidt counts cost of loss but remains coy on Angus Gardner

Rob Kearney failed a HIA and could miss out on upcoming clash with Russia on Thursday

Sat Sept 28 2019 - 12:56

Beautiful chaos as Japan find their rugby voice against Ireland

Misery in the heat for tourists as the Brave Blossoms run the ball and take a famous bow

Sat Sept 28 2019 - 11:01

Japan bench captain Michael Leitch for Ireland clash

Jamie Joseph: ‘if we’re going to win it’s going to come down to the last five or 10 minutes’

Thu Sept 26 2019 - 09:19

The Japanese school where rugby has taken over

Everything changed when Michael Leitch came over from New Zealand in 2004

Tue Sept 24 2019 - 19:04

Kotaro Matsushima’s electric hat-trick sees Japan past game Russia

Hosts slow out of the blocks in Tokyo but pull away to start home tournament with a bang

Fri Sept 20 2019 - 14:19

RWC moments: Brave Blossoms bloom in Brighton

Japan beat South Africa in 2015 in the biggest shock in Rugby World Cup history

Sun Sept 15 2019 - 14:00

Jones turns thoughts to ‘street fighter’ Cheika and his primed Wallabies

England head coach looks forward to ‘good scrap’ with ‘dangerous’ Australia in final Test

Sun Nov 18 2018 - 22:30

Japan in with a prayer until England pull away in last quarter

Brave Blossoms led at half-time after brilliant first-half performance

Sat Nov 17 2018 - 17:24

Jamie Joseph reveals Japan’s players being paid only €15.59 a day

‘There was a real rugby fever after the World Cup. The majority have moved on now’

Tue Nov 13 2018 - 08:50

Ireland finish job in style to end tour on a high note

Impressive opening quarter lays the foundation for a convincing victory

Mon Jun 26 2017 - 06:06

Paddy Jackson poised for pivotal role against Japan

Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway also likely to feature in strong side for first Test

Wed Jun 14 2017 - 21:21

Paddy Jackson set for Japan as Joey Carberry flies home

Ireland coach Richie Murphy well aware of Japan’s threat in two Test series

Wed Jun 14 2017 - 01:00

Investment in youth paying dividends for Joe Schmidt

‘This tour is a fantastic learning and working experience for young players’

Tue Jun 13 2017 - 01:00

Japan warm up for Ireland series with win over Romania

Brave Blossoms held off strong second-half comeback from opponents

Sat Jun 10 2017 - 10:18

Scotland eager to bring Japan crashing down to earth

Eddie Jones’s side may struggle to replicate display that brought win over Springboks

Wed Sept 23 2015 - 01:23

The Blossoms dare to dream of a win over Scotland

Japan ready for a short turnaround against Scotland, says Eddie Jones

Mon Sept 21 2015 - 21:27

Japan stun South Africa with unbelievable RWC win

Japan bring world crashing down around Springboks as Eddie Jones’s men record win for the ages

Sat Sept 19 2015 - 21:43