On Monday, former Japan captain Michael Leitch expressed his excitement for the opportunity to work with Eddie Jones again and take on the world’s top rugby teams. Leitch emphasized that the team is committed to playing an exciting brand of rugby and believes they have the potential to break into the world’s top four. The Brave Blossoms are currently in Miyazaki for their first training camp under Jones’ leadership.
Jones, who previously coached Japan to a historic performance at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, is looking to implement a “super-fast” style of rugby with the team. Leitch recalled the intense training sessions leading up to Japan’s success in 2015 and noted that the current atmosphere is more enjoyable. The experienced player is expected to make a positional change from the back row to lock as the team prepares to face England at the National Stadium in Tokyo on June 22.
Jones commended the players for their quick learning and strong desire to improve, emphasizing the importance of developing the next generation of Japanese rugby players. The coach sees this as a crucial moment for Japanese rugby and is relishing the opportunity to guide the team through this transitional phase. With a focus on practice and performance, Jones and Leitch are leading the charge towards a new era of success for Japanese rugby.
