England v Japan: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series

The Brave Blossoms are coming back to Twickenham Stadium this November for the return of the Autumn Nations Series.
England will face Japan on Sunday the 24th of November 2024. To get an idea of what to expect, we have looked into how Japan’s team is expected to perform, and how the last few meetings of the two nations have panned out.

Japan: Key Individuals

1. Eddie Jones

In January 2024, it was announced that the well-renowned, Eddie Jones, would return as Japan’s head coach. Jones previously coached Japan from 2012-2015 but left to coach the England national team from 2015-2022 and the Australia national team in 2023.
Jones has publicly expressed how he will be focussing on developing the speed of Japan’s game. His impact, especially in the context of Japan’s fixture against England, will be significant as he will understand the tactics and skills of the opposition.

2. Michael Leitch

Leitch, Japan’s flanker, has always been a prominent name when Japan’s rugby successes are considered. As the previous captain, Leitch has led the team, most famously in the 2015 World Cup when they defeated South African- the favourites – in Brighton. He was also named one of the players of the tournament at the 2019 World Cup which was hosted by Japan itself. Not only is he a national hero, but he is also a player that England should be worried about.

3. Kotaro Matsushima

Japan’s fullback, Matsushima, is another national hero and one of the nation’s most influential athletes. There is no wonder he has this title, as he is an integral member of the team. He is well-known as the scorer of Japan’s first World Cup hat-trick, and he will certainly be trying to recreate this performance at the Autumn nations.

England v Japan: Past Meetings

1. 2023 World Cup

The last time that England played Japan was in 2023 at the World Cup held in France. The teams faced each other at the start of the tournament, as they were in the same pool. The result, an England win of 34-23, allowed England to move to the top of the pool, and subsequently enter the next stage.
Japan did not get through the group stage, and England came in 3rd, loosing to South Africa in the semi-finals.

2. 2022 Autumn Nations

Alike 2024’s upcoming fixture, Japan came to Twickenham stadium for the 2022 Autumn Nations. England performed exceptionally well on their home turf, scoring seven tries, and ending the game with a 52-13 victory. Will England be able to recreate this performance, that was coached by Eddie Jones, whist he stands with the opposing team?

3. 2018 Autumn Nations

2018 marked the first England v Japan fixture in 31 years! Held in France, England took the game by a storm, winning 35-15.

2024 Autumn Nations: On sale now!