After a superlative season with Moana Pasifika, All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea will miss the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season to play in Japan.
In another blow to the All Blacks, winger Mark Tele'a has confirmed he is leaving New Zealand to head to Japan following the conclusion of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Wallabies confirmed they will travel to Japan later this year, scheduled to take on the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo on 25 October.
England ended their five-game losing run with a nine-try defeat of Eddie Jones Japan at Twickenham on Sunday.
France captain Antoine Dupont assisted two tries in his return for Les Bleus, who dismantled Eddie Jones' Japan 52-12 at the Stade de France on Saturday.
New Zealand overcame a slow start to produce a dominant display against Japan and seal a comfortable 64-19 victory in Yokohama.