The Japan U20 team plays their second tour game in New Zealand and face the NZU side in the first of two matches between the sides, and both squads have been announced for the match at the University of Waikato on Tuesday, May 26.
Feature Photo Credit JRFU
The Japanese side lost their tour opener against Hawke’s Bay Development 31-33 on Wednesday, 20th May. The Japan U20 team faced the New Zealand University (NZU) team a year ago at Oita Sports Park in Japan and ran out victors in a high-scoring game 52-45.
The relationship between New Zealand Universities Rugby and the Japan Rugby Football Union dates back to 1936.
Both Japan and NZ U20 will be competing in the 16-team World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026, which is hosted in Georgia from 27 June to 18 July.
Japan U20 Squad vs NZU – May 26 2026
Japan U20 Head Coach Naoya Okubo has selected the team for the match, and more about the side can be seen on the JRFU here.
The 23-man squad is made up of 22 University players, consisting of 4 from Tsukuba University & Teikyo University, 3 from Kwansei Gakuin University & Meiji University, 2 each from Ryutsu Keizai University, Keio University, and Doshisha University, as well as 1 each from Hosei University and Yamanashi Gakuin University.
Prop Keitatsu MOTOYAMA is at the JRLO side, Shizuoka Blue Revs.
RESULT: NZU 74-12 Japan U20
NZU Squad vs Japan U20 – May 26 2026
Five of the NZU squad come from North Shore Rugby Club: James Fairbairn, Oskar Kollar, Tyler Beary, Rory Taylor, Brian Lealifanom, with Otago, Massey, OBU, UC, AURFC, Pirates, NSRFC, Lincoln, and UWRC all contributing players.
The team is coached by Scott Lewis.
How To Watch Japan U20 vs NZU
Both games will be streamed for free on YouTube thanks to DSPN Rugby.
Japan U20 Tour to New Zealand 2026 Fixtures
- Japan U20 31-33 Hawke’s Bay Development – Wednesday, May 20th
- Japan U20vs NZU (New Zealand Student Representative) – Tuesday, May 26th
- Japan U20 vs NZU (New Zealand Student Representative) -*Curtain raiser to Super Rugby Chiefs vs Blues – Saturday, May 30th
Japan Rugby News 2026
- Japan U20 Team For 2026 New Zealand Tour Announced.
- Japan Men’s Head Coach Eddie Jones Suspended Until July 2026.
- Brave Blossoms 2026 Home Tests and Venues Confirmed.
- World Rugby U20 Championship Rebranded as Junior World Championship.
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