With the Autumn internationals in full swing, JRugbyPodcast catches up with Kyodo News journalist Rich Freeman to discuss Japan's performances so far and to look ahead to the weekend's match against England at Twickenham. We discuss Eddie's rec

#44 Sunwolves CEO Yuji Watase

Feb 26th, 2018 29m 10s

Sunwolves CEO Yuji Watase talks about pre-season, whether they can really make the top 5 this season, and his future plans for his team. He also talks about the highs and lows of running a Super Rugby franchise, and responds to criticisms often

#43 Sunwolves Preview 2018 - Hayden Parker and Rich Freeman

Feb 19th, 2018 59m 12s

New signing Hayden Parker tells us all about pre-season training and his hopes for the campaign, while Kyodo News journalist Rich Freeman breaks down the squad and gives thoughts on who should make the starting fifteen. Music: Rumble - Bensound

#42 James Haskell - Life in Japan

Feb 10th, 2018 59m 13s

We talk to the British and Irish Lions, England international and current Wasps player, James Haskell, about his time in Japan playing for Ricoh Rams. He tells us all about his adventures in Tokyo, plus his time with the Lions, and his hopes of

#41 Advice for foreign players and coaches - with Nate Igel

Feb 6th, 2018 1h 10m

We talk to rugby interpreter and former Tokai University player Nate Igel about Keith Davies' recent podcast regarding problems within the game in Japan. He believes foreigners could and should do more to bridge the cultural gap, and offers adv

#41 Japanese rugby is NOT dying - State of Rugby in Japan II with Nate Igel

Feb 5th, 2018 1h 10m

We talk to Canon Eagles interpreter and former Tokai University player Nate Igel about his response to Keith Davies' recent podcast on the problems surrounding Japanese rugby. Nate gives a different perspective on rugby in Japan, saying foreign

#40 "Japanese rugby is dying" - State of Rugby in Japan with Keith Davies

Jan 29th, 2018 1h 2m

We speak to the 35 year veteran of Japanese rugby Keith Davies about his recent article on discrimination, mismanagement, and poor coaching practices here in the Land of the Rising Sun. Keith tells us more about these problems and the stir it

#39 Jaba Bregvadze on joining the Sunwolves

Jan 24th, 2018 21m 31s

Veteran international hooker Jaba Bregvadze gives his thoughts on joining the Sunwolves and becoming the first Georgian player to play in Super Rugby. Music: Rumble - Bensound.com

#38 Top League Review and End of Season Awards

Jan 10th, 2018 35m 44s

Kyodo News journalist Rich Freeman gives his thoughts on the upcoming Suntory v Panasonic final, reviews the Top League season, and names his player of the season. Cover art by Tae fsg-art.jp/rugby/ Music: Rumble - Bensound.com

#37 Autumn Test Match Review with Rich Freeman

Dec 1st, 2017 49m 44s

We talk with Kyodo News journalist Rich Freeman about Japan's exploits in the Autumn series, especially their record win against Tonga and their draw against France. We also discuss Dan Carter's move to Kobe Steelers, Sunwolves coaching staff a

#36 Life at Panasonic with Ben Gunter

Sep 28th, 2017 29m 34s

We talk to Panasonic Wild Knights' loose forward Ben Gunter about how he dealt with the pressure of being the youngest player in Top League and his respect for teammate Ryu Koliniasi Holani.

#35 - 2019 World Cup Prep. & Top League Round-Up with Rich Freeman

Sep 15th, 2017 59m 41s

We talk to Kyodo News journalist Rich Freeman about Japan's world cup preparations, the latest from Top League and Shota Horie's hair!

#34 Top League Preview - with Ollie Trenchard

Aug 14th, 2017 49m 23s

Top League is back! We preview all 16 teams with Stats Man, Ollie Trenchard. We look at how the teams performed last season, summer transfer activity and finish by giving our predictions for the coming season. Music: Rumble - Bensound.com Photo

#33 Trans-Siberian to RWC 2019 with Nathan Flatman

Aug 2nd, 2017 27m 41s

We talk to Nathan Flatman about his 2019 Rugby World Cup travel plans, as he attempts a 25,000km round trip from England to Japan via the Trans-Siberian Railway. If you want to find out more or sponsor his trip, check out his blog here: https:/

#32 Misogi and Fiji Rugby with John Pryor- 12:07:2017, 14.51

Jul 12th, 2017 39m 51s

We talk to Eddie Jones' previous S&C coach John Pryor about his new job with Fiji, his old job with Japan, and taking his Suntory players for a spot of misogi in Nagano... Music: Rumble - Bensound.com

#31 June Tests Review with Rich Freeman, Joseph, Leitch & Thompson

Jul 1st, 2017 37m 56s

We wrap up the June tests with Rich Freeman, and get the post-match reaction from Japan head coach Jamie Joseph, captain Michael Leitch and veteran Luke Thompson. Cover by John Gunning - Inside Sport: Japan Music: Rumble - Bensound.com

#30 William Tupou on Japan debut and Sunwolves

Jun 16th, 2017 17m 48s

We talk to the Japanese debutant William Tupou about his recent Japanese call-up, playing for the Sunwolves and his experiences with Coca Cola Red Sparks. Cover art by Tae fsg-art.jp/rugby/ Music: Rumble - Bensound.com

#29 Brave Blossoms' Preview with William Tupou and Rich Freeman

Jun 6th, 2017 38m 57s

William Tupou gives us his reaction to his first Brave Blossoms' call-up, and Kyodo News journalist, Rich Freeman, gives his opinions on who should start against Romania on Saturday. Cover art by www.nadegatapenguin.com/ and please follow her o

#28 Latest News - Tiatia - Asian Rugby Champs - World Cup Draw

May 31st, 2017 34m 48s

Taito and Lee cover all the latest from Japanese rugby, plus hear from Filo Tiatia about the Cheetahs match, Rich Freeman about the Asian Rugby Champs and The Laird about his new website. Photo by Chris Pfaff - Inside Sport: Japan / Music: Rumb

#27 Rewind with Luke Thompson - Playing under Eddie and JK

May 23rd, 2017 37m 27s

We reminisce with the former Japanese international lock, Luke Thompson. He tells us all about the gruelling boot camps run by Eddie Jones and John Pryor, and that famous win against South Africa. He also gives us an insight into playing for Jo

#26 Uwe Helu - Sunwolves and Yamaha

May 16th, 2017 20m 26s

We talk to the Sunwolves and Japanese international lock, Uwe Helu, about his time playing for Yamaha, and his experiences in Super Rugby. Photo by John Gunning - Inside Sport: Japan

#25 Liaki Moli - Latest on concussion

May 3rd, 2017 24m 28s

We talk to the Sunwolves lock, Liaki Moli, about the concussion which ruled him out of the New Zealand tour, his background in rugby and who has the craziest hair in the Sunwolves squad! Cover art by Tae http://fsg-art.jp/rugby/

#24 Latest News - Kiwiphobia - Bulls Win - Asia Rugby Champs

Apr 20th, 2017 30m 2s

Taito's back! We talk about that win against the Bulls, the loss against the Crusaders, and the Sunwolves' chances on the rest of the tour down under. We also look at the Japan Sevens team, before looking ahead to the Asia Rugby Championships.

#23 Hayden Cripps - Sunwolves and Life on the Road

Mar 30th, 2017 33m 51s

We talk to the Sunwolves fly half, Hayden Cripps, about the season so far, his rise from the second division to Super Rugby, and who in the squad is the best rapper! Photo by John Gunning - Inside Sport: Japan

#22 Rich Freeman: Sunwolves Review

Mar 22nd, 2017 1h 16m

We talk to Kyodo news journalist, RIch Freeman, about the Sunwolves season so far, our best 15, and outstanding issues surrounding the squad. We also delve into Jamie Joseph's recent comments on taking over from Eddie, the rise of Chinese rugby