Inside Japan’s rugby revolution with Kensuke Iwabuchi

From grassroots to global stage — Japan’s rugby transformation is in full swing.

In this exclusive interview, David Pembroke sits down in Tokyo with Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi. Kensuke reveals how Japan is building a sustainable rugby future — from school programs and elite pathways to the rise of League One and the national team’s ambitions under Eddie Jones.

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In this episode
00:00 🎙️ Kensuke Iwabuchi joins David Pembroke from Tokyo
01:09 🇯🇵 Japan’s rugby boom since the 2019 World Cup
03:00 🧒 How schools and universities are fuelling participation
04:45 🚀 Building elite pathways from high school to League One
06:30 🏋️ Inside Japan’s Talent Squad and Eddie Jones’ vision
07:52 💼 How League One transformed Japanese rugby
09:00 🤝 The partnership between League One and the JRFU
10:21 🧠 The Eddie Jones effect — developing Japan’s identity
11:30 🌏 Why Japan needs more regular international competition
13:00 👩‍🦰 The rise of women’s rugby and ambitions for 2025
16:00 💬 What Japan offers world rugby — culture, growth, innovation
17:42 🏟️ Japan v Australia — 40,000 fans, one massive test

📌 What surprised you most about Japan’s rugby rise? Tell us in the comments below!

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