Lapasset backs Japan inclusion:

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset has voiced his backing for Japan’s inclusion in the Southern Hemisphere Rugby Championship competition alongside New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina.

The sport is enjoying a surge in popularity in the country that will host the next World Cup in 2019 and after securing a franchise in the Super Rugby tournament, Lapasset believes a similar deal at international level is a distinct possibility.

Japan beat off a bid from Singapore to enter next year’s expanded 18-side tournament and will get their first taste of Super Rugby action at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo on Feb 27 when they host the Lions of Johannesburg. (RTRS)