Japan opens a new chapter in international rugby when the Brave Blossoms host Italy at 4:40 a.m. ET on July 4 in the opening round of the inaugural Nations Championship.
The match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo marks the beginning of a demanding July schedule for both nations. Japan will look to capitalize on home-field advantage under head coach Eddie Jones, while Italy arrives aiming to continue the progress it has made under Gonzalo Quesada.
With both teams looking to climb the international rugby hierarchy, the opener could prove to be one of the most evenly matched contests of the tournament’s first weekend.
Before kickoff in Tokyo, here are five things to know about Japan vs. Italy.
Japan Rugby And Italy Open Their Nations Championship Campaigns
Saturday’s match officially begins the Nations Championship journey for both teams.
The new biennial competition replaces the traditional July tours with meaningful cross-hemisphere fixtures, meaning every result contributes to the tournament standings.
Neither side has much room for error. Japan follows this match with difficult tests against Ireland and France, while Italy continues its Southern Hemisphere trip against New Zealand and Australia.
A fast start could prove critical for both teams.
Eddie Jones Believes Italy Is One Of Rugby’s Most Improved Teams
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has made it clear he expects a major challenge.
While announcing his 35-player squad, Jones called Italy “the most improved team in the world” and praised the Azzurri’s work rate and physicality.
At the same time, Jones challenged his own players to become “the team of the tournament,” making it clear Japan has ambitions beyond simply earning an opening victory.
His comments add an intriguing layer to a matchup between two nations looking to establish themselves among rugby’s top tier.
Italy Brings New Faces Alongside Established Leaders
Italy’s lineup features a blend of proven internationals and emerging talent.
Captain Michele Lamaro once again leads the Azzurri, while fly-half Paolo Garbisi directs the attack. Midfield stars Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello also headline the starting lineup.
Italy also could hand debuts to winger Malik Faissal and back-row forward Alessandro Ortombina, giving Gonzalo Quesada an opportunity to evaluate new talent against quality opposition.
The mixture of experience and youth reflects the continued evolution of the Italian program.
The Match Marks 50 Years Of Japan Vs. Italy Test Rugby
This year’s meeting carries historical significance beyond the Nations Championship.
The two countries first met in a test match on April 21, 1976, making 2026 the 50th anniversary of the rivalry.
Although the teams have crossed paths only periodically over the past five decades, both programs have experienced significant growth during that span, making this anniversary meeting an appropriate milestone.
Italy also arrived in Tokyo more than a week before kickoff, allowing the squad additional time to adjust to local conditions.
Japan Has Home Advantage Against A Rising Italy Side
Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground has long been one of Japan’s most recognizable rugby venues.
Playing in front of a home crowd gives the Brave Blossoms an opportunity to begin the Nations Championship with momentum before traveling later in the tournament.
Italy, however, arrives after several seasons of steady improvement under Quesada and enters Tokyo expecting to challenge one of Asia’s top rugby nations.
With both teams eager to prove they belong among the world’s rising powers, Saturday’s opener could be one of the most competitive matches of the opening weekend.
How To Watch Every Match Of The 2026 Nations Championship
Every match of the 2026 Nations Championship will stream live in the United States on RugbyPass TV, World Rugby’s streaming platform.
How To Watch Every Match Of The 2026 Nations Championship
Every match of the 2026 Nations Championship will stream live in the United States on RugbyPass TV, World Rugby’s streaming platform.
World Rugby Rankings On July 1, 2026
South Africa — 93.94New Zealand — 90.33Ireland — 89.07France — 87.46Argentina — 84.97England — 83.91Scotland — 82.90Australia — 81.53Fiji — 81.14Italy — 79.64Wales — 75.07Japan — 74.09Georgia — 71.94Portugal — 69.64Uruguay — 69.19USA — 68.26Spain — 67.51Chile — 66.72Tonga — 66.66Samoa — 66.43Belgium — 61.03Romania — 60.67Hong Kong China — 59.61Zimbabwe — 58.80Canada — 58.75How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
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